Display device with touch detection function and electronic apparatus

ABSTRACT

According to an aspect, a display device with a touch detection function includes: a first substrate; a plurality of pixel electrodes in a first region; a display functional layer; a plurality of first drive electrodes facing the pixel electrodes in a perpendicular direction with respect to a surface of the first substrate; and a plurality of touch detection electrodes facing the first drive electrodes and extending in a direction different from a direction in which the first drive electrodes are extended. At least one touch detection electrode of the plurality of touch detection electrodes extends from the first region to a second region adjacent to the first region. A second drive electrode capacitively-coupled to the at least one touch detection electrode is further provided in the second region.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to Japanese Priority PatentApplication JP 2013-047166 filed in the Japan Patent Office on Mar. 8,2013, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a display device and an electronicapparatus capable of detecting an external proximity object, and inparticular, to a display device with a touch detection function and anelectronic apparatus capable of detecting an external proximity objectbased on a change in an electrostatic capacitance.

2. Description of the Related Art

In recent years, a touch detection device capable of detecting anexternal proximity object, what is called a touch panel, has beenattracting attention. The touch panel is mounted on or integrated into adisplay device such as a liquid crystal display unit, and thus used in adisplay device with a touch detection function in which the touch panel.The display device with a touch detection function displays variousbutton images, or the like, on the display device to allow forinformation input with the use of the touch panel in place of typicalmechanical buttons. The display device with a touch detection functionhaving such a touch panel does not require input devices such as akeyboard, a mouse, and a keypad. Therefore, in addition to computers,the use thereof has been expanding also in mobile devices such assmartphones.

In a smartphone, a tablet, or the like, in addition to providing a touchpanel for 2D (two-dimensional) touch input on a display area, buttonsfor performing 0D (zero-dimensional, ON and OFF) input may be providedoutside the display area. For example, in a smartphone or the like, a“back button” for displaying a previous screen, a “home button” fordisplaying a home screen, a “menu button” for displaying a menu screen,and the like, may be provided. Such a button is sometimes referred to asa 0D button. The 0D button is implemented by disposing a button memberon FPC (Flexible Printed Circuits) or the like, separately from thetouch panel.

As related techniques, the following Japanese Patent ApplicationLaid-open Publication No. 2007-179520 (JP-A-2007-179520) and JapanesePatent Application Laid-open Publication No. 2009-244958(JP-A-2009-244958) each describe a technique for enabling input bydisposing a detection element in a frame outside a display area of aliquid crystal display unit.

With the techniques described in JP-A-2007-179520 and JP-A-2009-244958,however, a detection circuit for the detection element in the frame isneeded separately from a touch panel. Thus, there are problems in thatthe device is complicated, the number of components is increased, andthe cost is increased.

For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for a display device with atouch detection function and an electronic apparatus capable ofdetecting button touch input with a simple configuration.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect, a display device with a touch detection functionincludes: a first substrate; a plurality of pixel electrodes arranged ina matrix on a plane parallel to the first substrate and in a firstregion; a display functional layer exerting an image display function inthe first region; a plurality of first drive electrodes facing the pixelelectrodes in a perpendicular direction with respect to a surface of thefirst substrate; and a plurality of touch detection electrodes facingthe first drive electrodes in the perpendicular direction and extendingin a direction different from a direction in which the first driveelectrodes are extended, the plurality of touch detection electrodesbeing capacitively-coupled to the first drive electrodes. At least onetouch detection electrode of the plurality of touch detection electrodesextends from the first region to a second region adjacent to the firstregion. A second drive electrode capacitively-coupled to the at leastone touch detection electrode is further provided in the second region.

According to another aspects, a display device with a touch detectionfunction includes: a first substrate; a plurality of pixel electrodesarranged in a matrix on a plane parallel to the first substrate and in afirst region; a display functional layer exerting an image displayfunction; a plurality of first drive electrodes facing the pixelelectrodes in a perpendicular direction with respect to a surface of thefirst substrate; a plurality of first touch detection electrodes facingthe first drive electrodes in the perpendicular direction and extendingin a direction different from a direction in which the first driveelectrodes are extended, the plurality of first touch detectionelectrodes being capacitively-coupled to the first drive electrodes; asecond drive electrode formed in a second region adjacent to the firstregion; a second touch detection electrode capacitively-coupled to thesecond drive electrode in the second region; and a drive signalsupplying circuit for supplying a drive signal to the first and seconddrive electrodes. The drive signal supplying circuit sequentiallyselects the plurality of first drive electrodes and the second driveelectrode to supply the drive signal thereto.

According to another aspect, a display device with a touch detectionfunction includes: a first substrate; a plurality of pixel electrodesarranged in a matrix on a plane parallel to the first substrate and in afirst region; a display functional layer exerting an image displayfunction; a plurality of first drive electrodes facing the pixelelectrodes in a perpendicular direction with respect to a surface of thefirst substrate; a plurality of touch detection electrodes facing thefirst drive electrodes in the perpendicular direction and extending in adirection different from a direction in which the first drive electrodesare extended, the plurality of touch detection electrodes beingcapacitively-coupled to the first drive electrodes; a second driveelectrode capacitively-coupled to at least one touch detection electrodeof the plurality of touch detection electrodes in a second regionadjacent to the first region; and a second substrate facing the firstsubstrate in the perpendicular direction. The second substrate includesa portion not overlapping the first substrate as viewed from theperpendicular direction. The second drive electrode is formed in theportion of the second substrate not overlapping the first substrate.

According to another aspect, a display device with a touch detectionfunction includes: a first substrate; a plurality of pixel electrodesarranged in a matrix on a plane parallel to the first substrate and in afirst region; a display functional layer exerting an image displayfunction; a plurality of first drive electrodes facing the pixelelectrodes in a perpendicular direction with respect to a surface of thefirst substrate; a plurality of first touch detection electrodes facingthe first drive electrodes in the perpendicular direction and extendingin a direction different from a direction in which the first driveelectrodes are extended, the plurality of first touch detectionelectrodes being capacitively-coupled to the first drive electrodes; asecond drive electrode formed in a second region adjacent to the firstregion; a second touch detection electrode capacitively-coupled to thesecond drive electrode in the second region; a drive signal supplyingcircuit for supplying a drive signal to the first and second driveelectrodes; and a third substrate for transmitting a detection signaldetected in the second touch detection electrode to an outside. Thesecond touch detection electrode is formed on the third substrate.

According to another aspect, an electronic apparatus includes any one ofthe display devices with a touch detection function.

Additional features and advantages are described herein, and will beapparent from the following Detailed Description and the figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of a smartphone to whicha display device with a touch detection function according to a firstembodiment is applied;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram representing a configuration example of thedisplay device with a touch detection function according to the firstembodiment;

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the basic principle of acapacitive type touch detection system, representing a state where afinger is neither in contact nor in proximity;

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of anequivalent circuit of the state illustrated in FIG. 3 where a finger isneither in contact nor in proximity;

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the basic principle ofthe capacitive type touch detection system, representing a state where afinger is in contact or in proximity;

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of anequivalent circuit of the state illustrated in FIG. 5 where a finger isin contact or in proximity;

FIG. 7 is a chart representing an example of waveforms of a drive signaland a touch detection signal;

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a module in which thedisplay device with a touch detection function is mounted;

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a module in which thedisplay device with a touch detection function is mounted;

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of a module in whichthe display device with a touch detection function is mounted;

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating another example of a module in whichthe display device with a touch detection function is mounted;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view representing a schematiccross-sectional structure of the display unit with a touch detectionfunction according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a circuit diagram representing a pixel array of the displayunit with a touch detection function according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view representing a configuration example ofdrive electrodes and touch detection lines in the display unit with atouch detection function according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a timing waveform chart representing an operation example ofthe display device with a touch detection function according to thefirst embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a terminal according to a secondembodiment;

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a module in which adisplay device with a touch detection function according to the secondembodiment is mounted;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view representing a schematiccross-sectional structure of the display unit with a touch detectionfunction according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view representing a schematiccross-sectional structure of a display unit with a touch detectionfunction according to a third embodiment;

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view representing a schematiccross-sectional structure of a display unit with a touch detectionfunction according to a fourth embodiment;

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view representing a schematiccross-sectional structure of a display unit with a touch detectionfunction according to a fifth embodiment;

FIG. 22 is a plan view illustrating another example of a backlight inthe display device with a touch detection function according to thefifth embodiment;

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view representing a schematiccross-sectional structure of a display unit with a touch detectionfunction according to a sixth embodiment;

FIG. 24 is a plan view of the display unit with a touch detectionfunction in FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining a method for manufacturing thedisplay unit with a touch detection function according to any one of thefirst to fifth embodiments;

FIG. 26 is a diagram for explaining the method for manufacturing thedisplay unit with a touch detection function according to any one of thefirst to fifth embodiments;

FIG. 27 is a diagram for explaining a method for manufacturing thedisplay unit with a touch detection function according to the sixthembodiment;

FIG. 28 is a diagram for explaining the method for manufacturing thedisplay unit with a touch detection function according to the sixthembodiment;

FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view representing a schematiccross-sectional structure of a display unit with a touch detectionfunction according to a modification of the sixth embodiment;

FIG. 30 is a plan view of a display unit with a touch detection functionaccording to a seventh embodiment;

FIG. 31 is an enlarged plan view of a touch detection line and a driveelectrode in FIG. 30;

FIG. 32 is a plan view of a display unit with a touch detection functionaccording to an eighth embodiment;

FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of the display unit with a touchdetection function in FIG. 32;

FIG. 34 is a block diagram representing a configuration example of adisplay device with a touch detection function according to a ninthembodiment;

FIG. 35 is a block diagram representing a configuration example of adisplay device with a touch detection function according to amodification of the ninth embodiment;

FIG. 36 is a diagram illustrating an example of an electronic apparatusto which the display device with a touch detection function according toany one of the embodiments is applied;

FIG. 37 is a diagram illustrating an example of an electronic apparatusto which the display device with a touch detection function according toany one of the embodiments is applied;

FIG. 38 is a diagram illustrating an example of an electronic apparatusto which the display device with a touch detection function according toany one of the embodiments is applied;

FIG. 39 is a diagram illustrating an example of an electronic apparatusto which the display device with a touch detection function according toany one of the embodiments is applied;

FIG. 40 is a diagram illustrating an example of an electronic apparatusto which the display device with a touch detection function according toany one of the embodiments is applied;

FIG. 41 is a diagram illustrating an example of an electronic apparatusto which the display device with a touch detection function according toany one of the embodiments is applied;

FIG. 42 is a diagram illustrating an example of an electronic apparatusto which the display device with a touch detection function according toany one of the embodiments is applied;

FIG. 43 is a diagram illustrating an example of an electronic apparatusto which the display device with a touch detection function according toany one of the embodiments is applied;

FIG. 44 is a diagram illustrating an example of an electronic apparatusto which the display device with a touch detection function according toany one of the embodiments is applied;

FIG. 45 is a diagram illustrating an example of an electronic apparatusto which the display device with a touch detection function according toany one of the embodiments is applied;

FIG. 46 is a diagram illustrating an example of an electronic apparatusto which the display device with a touch detection function according toany one of the embodiments is applied; and

FIG. 47 is a diagram illustrating an example of an electronic apparatusto which the display device with a touch detection function according toany one of the embodiments is applied.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Modes for carrying out the present disclosure (embodiments) will bedescribed in detail with reference to the drawings. The presentdisclosure is not limited by the contents described in the followingembodiments. Constituent elements described below include those readilyconceived of by those skilled in the art and substantially identicalcomponents. Furthermore, the Constituent elements described below can beappropriately combined with one another. A description will be given inthe following order:

1. Embodiments (Display device with touch detection function)

1-1. First embodiment

1-2. Second embodiment

1-3. Third embodiment

1-4. Fourth embodiment

1-5. Fifth embodiment

1-6. Sixth embodiment

1-7. Seventh embodiment

1-8. Eighth embodiment

1-9. Ninth embodiment

2. Application examples (Electronic apparatuses)

Examples in which the display device with a touch detection functionaccording to any one of the embodiments above is applied to theelectronic apparatuses.

3. Aspects of present disclosure

1. Embodiments 1-1. First Embodiment 1-1A. Configuration Example

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of a smartphone to whicha display device with a touch detection function according to thepresent embodiment is applied. Although an example in which the displaydevice with a touch detection function according to the presentembodiment is applied to a smartphone is illustrated here, the displaydevice with a touch detection function according to the presentembodiment can be applied to various types of electronic apparatusessuch as a television and a digital camera as will be described later.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, a smartphone 100 includes a touch and displayarea 101 a. The touch and display area 101 a is implemented by using thelater-described display device with a touch detection function accordingto the present embodiment. The touch and display area 101 a can displayimages, characters, and the like, and perform 2D (two-dimensional) touchdetection. The smartphone 100 also includes 0D buttons 101 b to 101 d(hereinafter, also referred to simply as buttons) capable of performing0D (zero-dimensional, ON and OFF) touch detection outside the touch anddisplay area 101 a, e.g., in a frame. The button 101 b is a “backbutton” for displaying a previous screen. The button 101 c is a “homebutton” for displaying a home screen. The button 101 d is a “menubutton” for displaying a menu screen. The buttons 101 b to 101 d arealso implemented by using the later-described display device with atouch detection function according to the present embodiment.

The 2D touch detection herein means that a coordinate of a touchposition is determined. The 0D touch detection herein means that onlythe presence or absence of a touch is determined.

Although a case where the display device with a touch detection functionhas three buttons 101 b to 101 d is described in the present embodiment,the number of buttons may be 1 or 2, or may be four or more.

Overall Configuration Example

FIG. 2 is a block diagram representing a configuration example of thedisplay device with a touch detection function according to the firstembodiment. The display device with a touch detection function 1includes: a display unit with a touch detection function 10; a controlunit 11; a gate driver 12; a source driver 13; a drive electrode driver14; and a touch detection unit 40. The display device with a touchdetection function 1 is a display device in which the display unit witha touch detection function 10 incorporates a touch detection function.The display unit with a touch detection function 10 is what is called anin-cell type device in which a liquid crystal display unit 20 usingliquid crystal display elements as display elements thereof and acapacitive type touch detection device 30 are integrated together. Thedisplay unit with a touch detection function 10 may be what is called anon-cell type device in which the capacitive type touch detection device30 is mounted on the liquid crystal display unit 20 using liquid crystaldisplay elements as display elements thereof.

The liquid crystal display unit 20 is a device which performs sequentialscanning and display one horizontal line at a time in accordance with ascanning signal Vscan supplied by the gate driver 12 as will bedescribed later. The control unit 11 is a circuit which supplies controlsignals to the gate driver 12, the source driver 13, the drive electrodedriver 14, and the touch detection unit 40, respectively, based on anexternally-supplied video signal Vdisp so as to control them in such away that they are operated in a mutually-synchronized manner.

The touch detection device 30 includes: a touch part 30 a for performing2D touch detection; and a button part 30 b for performing 0D touchdetection. The touch part 30 a overlaps a display area of the liquidcrystal display unit 20 in a planar view (as viewed from a directionperpendicular to the principal surface of the display unit with a touchdetection function 10). The button part 30 b is disposed, in a planarview, outside the display area of the liquid crystal display unit 20,e.g., in the frame.

The gate driver 12 has a function of sequentially selecting onehorizontal line to be driven for display in the display unit with atouch detection function 10 based on the control signal supplied fromthe control unit 11.

The source driver 13 is a circuit for supplying an image signal Vpix toeach pixel Pix, which will be described later, in the display unit witha touch detection function 10 based on the control signal supplied bythe control unit 11.

The drive electrode driver 14 is a circuit for supplying a drive signalVcom to a drive electrode COM to be described later in the display unitwith a touch detection function 10 based on the control signal suppliedby the control unit 11.

Basic Principle of Capacitive Type Touch Detection

The touch detection device 30 operates based on the basic principle ofthe capacitive type touch detection, and outputs a touch detectionsignal Vdet. In the present disclosure, touch detection is performedwith a mutual capacitance method.

The basic principle of touch detection in the display device with atouch detection function 1 according to the present embodiment will bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 2 to 7. FIG. 3 is an explanatorydiagram for explaining the basic principle of the capacitive type touchdetection system, representing a state where a finger is neither incontact nor in proximity. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustratingan example of an equivalent circuit of the state illustrated in FIG. 3where a finger is neither in contact nor in proximity. FIG. 5 is anexplanatory diagram for explaining the basic principle of the capacitivetype touch detection system, representing a state where a finger is incontact or in proximity. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustratingan example of an equivalent circuit of the state illustrated in FIG. 5where a finger is in contact or in proximity.

For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5, a capacitative element C1includes a pair of electrodes, a drive electrode E1 and a touchdetection electrode E2, disposed so as to face each other with adielectric D interposed therebetween. As illustrated in FIG. 4, one endof the capacitative element C1 is coupled to an AC signal source (drivesignal source) S. The other end thereof is coupled to a voltage detector(touch detection unit) DET. The voltage detector DET is an integrationcircuit contained in an analog LPF (Low Pass Filter) 42 illustrated inFIG. 2, for example.

If an AC rectangular wave Sg having a predetermined frequency (aboutseveral kHz to several hundred kHz, for example) is applied to the driveelectrode E1 (one end of the capacitative element C1) from the AC signalsource S, an output waveform (touch detection signal Vdet) is emergedthrough the voltage detector DET coupled to the touch detectionelectrode E2 (the other end of the capacitative element C1) side. The ACrectangular wave Sg corresponds to a touch drive signal Vcomt to bedescribed later.

In a state (non-contact state) where a finger is not in contact with (orin proximity to) the device, a current I₀ corresponding to a capacitancevalue of the capacitative element C1 flows along with charge anddischarge with respect to the capacitative element C1 as illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the voltage detector DETconverts a fluctuation in the current I₀ according to the AC rectangularwave Sg into a voltage fluctuation (solid-line waveform V₀).

In a state (contact state) where a finger is in contact with (or inproximity to) the device, on the other hand, capacitance C2 generated bya finger is in contact with or in proximity to the touch detectionelectrode E2 as illustrated in FIG. 5. As a result, fringe capacitancebetween the drive electrode E1 and the touch detection electrode E2 isblocked, thereby causing the capacitative element C1 to be functioned asa capacitative element C1′ having a capacitance value smaller than thatof the capacitative element C1. According to the equivalent circuitillustrated in FIG. 6, a current I₁ flows through the capacitativeelement C1′. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the voltage detector DET convertsa fluctuation in the current I₁ according to the AC rectangular wave Sginto a voltage fluctuation (dotted-line waveform V₁). In this case, thewaveform V₁ has an amplitude smaller than that of the above-describedwaveform V₀. Thus, an absolute value |ΔV| of a voltage differencebetween the waveform V₀ and the waveform V₁, varies in accordance withan effect caused by an external proximity object such as a finger. Inorder to detect the absolute value |ΔV| of the voltage differencebetween the waveform V₀ and the waveform V₁ with high accuracy, it ismore preferable that the voltage detector DET be operated with a periodRESET during which charge and discharge of a capacitor is reset inaccordance with the frequency of the AC rectangular wave Sg by means ofswitching in the circuit.

The touch detection device 30 illustrated in FIG. 2 performs touchdetection by sequentially scanning detection blocks one block at a timein accordance with a drive signal Vcom (touch drive signal Vcomt to bedescribed later) supplied from the drive electrode driver 14.

The touch detection device 30 is configured to output the touchdetection signals Vdet for respective detection blocks from a pluralityof touch detection lines TDL to be described later through the voltagedetector DET illustrated in FIG. 4 or FIG. 6, and then supply the touchdetection signals Vdet to the A/D convertor 43 in the touch detectionunit 40. The touch detection line TDL is made of an ITO (Indium TinOxide), for example.

The touch detection unit 40 is a circuit for detecting the presence orabsence of a touch (the above-described contact state) with respect tothe touch detection device 30 based on the control signal supplied bythe control unit 11 and the touch detection signal Vdet supplied by thetouch detection device 30 in the display unit with a touch detectionfunction 10 and for obtaining, if touch is detected, the coordinate inthe touch-detected area, or the like. The touch detection unit 40includes: the analog LPF (Low Pass Filter) 42; the A/D convertor 43; asignal processor 44; a coordinate extractor 45; and a detection timingcontroller 46.

The analog LPF 42 is a low-pass analog filter which uses each of thetouch detection signals Vdet supplied by the touch detection device 30as an input, removes a high-frequency component (noise component)contained in the touch detection signal Vdet to extract a touchcomponent, and outputs the touch component. A resistance R for providinga direct-current potential (0 V) is coupled between each of inputterminals of the analog LPF 42 and the ground. In place of thisresistance R, a switch may be provided, for example. By turning thisswitch ON at a predetermined time, the direct-current potential (0 V)may be provided.

The A/D convertor 43 is a circuit for sampling analog signals outputtedfrom the analog LPF 42 at timings synchronized with the touch drivesignal Vcomt and converting them into digital signals.

The signal processor 44 includes a digital filter for reducing afrequency component (noise component) contained in the output signal ofthe A/D convertor 43, excluding the sampling frequency for the touchdrive signal Vcomt. The signal processor 44 is a logic circuit fordetecting the presence or absence of a touch with respect to the touchdetection device 30 based on the output signal from the A/D convertor43. The signal processor 44 performs a process of taking out only afinger-derived differential signal. The finger-derived differentialsignal is the above-described absolute value |ΔV| of the differencebetween the waveform V₀ and the waveform V₁. The signal processor 44 mayperform an averaging calculation on the absolute values |ΔV| in onedetection block to obtain an average value for the absolute value |ΔV|.As a result, the signal processor 44 can reduce an effect caused bynoise. The signal processor 44 compares the detected finger-deriveddifferential signal to a predetermined threshold voltage. If it isgreater than or equal to this threshold voltage, it is determined as thecontact state by the external proximity object. If it is smaller thanthe threshold voltage, it is determined as the non-contact state by theexternal proximity object. In this manner, the touch detection unit 40can perform touch detection.

The coordinate extractor 45 is a logic circuit for obtaining, when atouch is detected in the signal processor 44, the touch panelcoordinate. The detection timing controller 46 controls the A/Dconvertor 43, the signal processor 44, and the coordinate extractor 45so as to be operated in synchronization with one another. The coordinateextractor 45 outputs the touch panel coordinate as a signal output Vout.

Modules

FIGS. 8 and 9 are diagrams each illustrating an example of a module inwhich the display device with a touch detection function is mounted. Asillustrated in FIG. 8, the display device with a touch detectionfunction 1 may form the above-described drive electrode driver 14 on aTFT substrate 21, which is a glass substrate, when mounted in themodule.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, the display device with a touch detectionfunction 1 includes: the display unit with a touch detection function10; the drive electrode driver 14; and a COG (Chip On Glass) 19A. Inthis display unit with a touch detection function 10, the driveelectrodes COM and the touch detection lines TDL formed so as tosterically intersect with the drive electrodes COM are schematicallyillustrated in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the TFTsubstrate to be described later. In this example, the drive electrodesCOM are formed in a direction of a shorter side of the display unit witha touch detection function 10 and the touch detection lines TDL areformed in a direction of a longer side of the display unit with a touchdetection function 10. An output of the touch detection line TDL isprovided on the shorter side of the display unit with a touch detectionfunction 10 and coupled to the touch detection unit 40 mounted outsidethis module via a terminal T formed from flexible printed circuits (FPC)or the like. The drive electrode driver 14 is formed on the TFTsubstrate 21 which is a glass substrate. The COG 19A is a chip mountedon the TFT substrate 21 and incorporates respective circuits requiredfor display operations such as the control unit 11, the gate driver 12,and the source driver 13 illustrated in FIG. 2.

The display unit with a touch detection function 10 includes the touchpart 30 a and the button part 30 b. In the button part 30 b, the driveelectrode COM formed in the shorter-side direction is formed in the samemanner as in the touch part 30 a. Three touch detection lines TDLa toTDLc of the plurality of touch detection lines TDL are extended to thebutton part 30 b. The touch detection lines TDLa to TDLc correspond tothe buttons 101 b to 101 d (see FIG. 1), respectively. Specifically, thetouch detection line TDLa corresponds to the button 101 b and detectstouch input of the “back button.” The touch detection line TDLbcorresponds to the button 101 c and detects touch input of the “homebutton.” The touch detection line TDLc corresponds to the button 101 dand detects touch input of the “menu button.”

Herein, the three touch detection lines TDLa to TDLc correspond to thebuttons 101 b to 101 d and are extended to the button part 30 b. Inother words, one touch detection line is extended to the button part 30b for each button. However, two or more touch detection lines may beextended to the button part 30 b for each button. This makes it possibleto expand the detection range of button touch input, improve thedetection sensitivity, and improve the operability of the smartphone100.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, the display device with a touch detectionfunction 1 may incorporate the drive electrode driver 14 in the COG. Asillustrated in FIG. 9, in the display device with a touch detectionfunction 1, the module has a COG 19B. The COG 19B illustrated in FIG. 9further incorporates the drive electrode driver 14 in addition to theabove-described respective circuits required for display operations.During a touch detection operation, the display device with a touchdetection function 1 sequentially applies the drive signal Vcom to thedrive electrodes COM so as to sequentially scan one detection line at atime. In other words, the display device with a touch detection function1 performs touch detection scanning parallel to the longer-sidedirection of the display unit with a touch detection function 10.

The display device with a touch detection function 1 illustrated inFIGS. 8 and 9 outputs the touch detection signal Vdet from the shorterside of the display unit with a touch detection function 10. As aresult, the display device with a touch detection function 1 can reducethe number of touch detection lines TDL and thereby facilitate anarrangement of wiring when coupled to the touch detection unit 40 viathe terminal T. Since the display device with a touch detection function1 illustrated in FIG. 9 incorporates the drive electrode driver 14 inthe COG 19B, the frame can be narrowed.

In FIGS. 8 and 9, the touch detection scanning direction is defined as adirection moving from the touch part 30 a toward the button part 30 b.In other words, detection in the touch part 30 a is performed first anddetection in the button part 30 b is performed later. However, the touchdetection scanning direction may be defined as a direction moving fromthe button part 30 b toward the touch part 30 a. In other words,detection in the button part 30 b may be performed first and detectionin the touch part 30 a may be performed later.

FIGS. 10 and 11 are diagrams illustrating other examples of a module inwhich the display device with a touch detection function is mounted. Inthe above-explained modules illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, the buttonpart 30 b is disposed on the side opposite to the terminal T formed fromthe flexible printed circuits (FPC) or the like. However, as in themodules illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, the button part 30 b may bedisposed on the terminal T side. Then, since all of the touch detectionlines TDL need to be coupled to the terminal T, all of the touchdetection lines TDL pass through the button part 30 b. In this case, thetouch detection unit 40 may detect only the touch detection lines TDLcorresponding to the buttons 101 b to 101 d at a button touch detectiontiming to be described later.

Display unit with Touch Detection Function 10

A configuration example of the display unit with a touch detectionfunction 10 will be described next in detail.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view representing a schematiccross-sectional structure of the display unit with a touch detectionfunction according to the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a circuit diagramrepresenting a pixel array of the display unit with a touch detectionfunction according to the first embodiment. The display unit with atouch detection function 10 includes: a pixel substrate 2; a countersubstrate 3 disposed in a facing manner in a direction perpendicular tothe surface of the pixel substrate 2; and a liquid crystal layer 6interposed between the pixel substrate 2 and the counter substrate 3.

A portion of the pixel substrate 2 corresponding to the touch part 30 aincludes: the TFT substrate 21 as a circuit board; and a plurality ofpixel electrodes 22 arranged in a matrix shape on this TFT substrate 21.Thin film transistor (TFT) elements Tr for the respective pixels Pixillustrated in FIG. 13 and wirings such as pixel signal lines SGL forsupplying the image signals Vpix to the pixel electrodes 22 and scanningsignal lines GCL for driving the respective TFT elements Tr are formedin the TFT substrate 21. In this manner, each pixel signal line SGLextends on a plane parallel to the surface of the TFT substrate 21 andsupplies the image signal for displaying an image to the pixels Pix. Theliquid crystal display unit 20 illustrated in FIG. 13 has a plurality ofpixels Pix arranged in a matrix shape. Each pixel Pix includes the TFTelement Tr and a liquid crystal LC. The TFT element Tr is formed by athin film transistor. In this example, it is formed by an n-channel MOS(Metal Oxide Semiconductor) type TFT. One of the source and drain of theTFT element Tr is coupled to one of the pixel signal lines SGL, and thegate thereof is coupled to one of the scanning signal lines GCL. Theother one of the source and drain is coupled to one end of the liquidcrystal LC. One end of the liquid crystal LC is coupled to the other oneof the source and drain of the TFT element Tr, and the other end thereofis coupled to one of the drive electrodes COM.

Each of the pixels Pix is mutually coupled to other pixels Pix belongingto the same row of the liquid crystal display unit 20 through thescanning signal line GCL. The scanning signal line GCL is coupled to thegate driver 12 and supplied with the scanning signal Vscan by the gatedriver 12. Each of the pixels Pix is also mutually coupled to otherpixels Pix belonging to the same column of the liquid crystal displayunit 20 through the pixel signal line SGL. The pixel signal line SGL iscoupled to the source driver 13 and supplied with the image signal Vpixby the source driver 13. Furthermore, each of the pixels Pix is mutuallycoupled to other pixels Pix belonging to the same row of the liquidcrystal display unit 20 by the drive electrode COM. The drive electrodeCOM is coupled to the drive electrode driver 14 and supplied with thedrive signal Vcom by the drive electrode driver 14. In other words, theplurality of pixels Pix belonging to the same row share a single driveelectrode COM in this example.

The gate driver 12 illustrated in FIG. 2 applies the scanning signalVscan to the gates of the TFT elements Tr in the pixels Pix through oneof the scanning signal lines GCL illustrated in FIG. 13. Thus, one row(one horizontal line) of the pixels Pix formed in a matrix shape in theliquid crystal display unit 20 is sequentially selected to be driven fordisplay. The source driver 13 illustrated in FIG. 2 supplies the imagesignal Vpix to each of the pixels Pix through the pixel signal line SGLillustrated in FIG. 13, where the pixels Pix make up one horizontal linesequentially selected by the gate driver 12. Then, display for onehorizontal line is performed in these pixels Pix in accordance with thesupplied image signal Vpix. The drive electrode driver 14 illustrated inFIG. 2 applies the drive signal Vcom in order to drive the driveelectrodes COM for each block consisting of the predetermined number ofdrive electrodes COM illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13.

As described above, in the liquid crystal display unit 20, the gatedriver 12 drives the scanning signal lines GCL to be line-sequentiallyscanned in a time-divisional manner, so that one horizontal line issequentially selected. In the liquid crystal display unit 20, displayingone horizontal line at a time is performed by supplying the image signalVpix to each of the pixels Pix belonging to the one horizontal line bythe source driver 13. When performing this display operation, the driveelectrode driver 14 applies the drive signal Vcom to the blockcontaining the drive electrode COM corresponding to that one horizontalline.

The counter substrate 3 includes: a glass substrate 31; a color filter32 formed on one surface of the glass substrate 31; and the plurality ofdrive electrodes COM formed on the surface of the color filter 32opposite to the glass substrate 31. The touch detection lines TDL, eachof which is a detection electrode for the touch detection device 30, areformed on the other surface of the glass substrate 31. A polarizer 35 isfurther provided on this touch detection lines TDL.

For the color filter 32, color filters, which are colored to have threecolors of red (R), green (G), and blue (B), for example, are cyclicallyarranged so as to associate the three colors R, G, and B as one set withthe above-described respective pixels Pix illustrated in FIG. 13. Thecolor filter 32 faces the liquid crystal layer 6 in the directionperpendicular to the TFT substrate 21.

The color filter may have a combination of other colors as long as it iscolored to have different colors. In the color filter, the luminance inthe color region of green (G) is typically higher than those in thecolor region of red (R) and the color region of blue (B). The colorfilter may be omitted, and in that case, the display will be white.Alternatively, a light transmissive resin may be used for the colorfilter to make it white.

The drive electrode COM according to the present embodiment functions asa common drive electrode for the liquid crystal display unit 20 and alsoas a drive electrode for the touch detection device 30. In the presentembodiment, one drive electrode COM is disposed so as to correspond toone pixel electrode 22 (the pixel electrodes 22 constituting one row).The drive electrode COM according to the first embodiment faces thepixel electrode 22 in the direction perpendicular to the surface of theTFT substrate 21 and extends in a direction parallel to theabove-described extending direction of the scanning signal line GCL. Thedrive electrode COM is configured so that the drive signal Vcom isapplied to the drive electrode COM by the drive electrode driver 14 viaa contact conducting cylinder (not illustrated) having a conductiveproperty.

The liquid crystal layer 6 modulates light passing therethroughaccording to a state of an electric field thereof. For example, theliquid crystal in various modes such as TN (Twisted Nematic) mode, VA(Vertical Alignment) mode, or ECB (Electrically ControlledBirefringence) mode are used.

Orientation films may be provided between the liquid crystal layer 6 andthe pixel substrate 2 and between the liquid crystal layer 6 and thecounter substrate 3, respectively. An incident-side polarizer may bedisposed on the lower surface side of the pixel substrate 2.

In the portion of the pixel substrate 2 and the counter substrate 3corresponding to the button part 30 b, only detection for button touchinput is performed and no image display is performed. Thus, asillustrated in FIG. 12, the drive electrode COM and the touch detectionline TDL used for detecting button touch input are formed, and a TFTelement Tr, pixel signal line SGL, a scanning signal line GCL, and thelike, used for image display are not formed. The color filter 32 in thebutton part 30 b may be black or may be omitted.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view representing a configuration example ofthe drive electrodes and the touch detection lines in the display unitwith a touch detection function according to the first embodiment. Thetouch detection device 30 is composed of the drive electrodes COM andthe touch detection lines TDL provided in the counter substrate 3. Thedrive electrodes COM have a shape divided into a plurality ofstripe-shaped electrode patterns extending in the right-left directionof the figure. When performing a touch detection operation, the drivesignal Vcom is sequentially supplied to the respective electrodepatterns by the drive electrode driver 14, so that line sequentialscanning drive is performed in a time-divisional manner as will bedescribed later. The touch detection lines TDL are composed ofstripe-shaped electrode patterns extending in a direction intersectingwith the extending direction of the electrode patterns of the driveelectrodes COM. The touch detection lines TDL face the drive electrodesCOM in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the TFT substrate21. Each of the electrode patterns of the touch detection lines TDL iscoupled to an input of the analog LPF 42 in the touch detection unit 40.The electrode patterns of the drive electrodes COM and the touchdetection lines TDL intersecting with each other generate capacitance ateach intersection.

With this configuration, in the touch detection device 30 whenperforming a touch detection operation, the drive electrode driver 14drives the drive electrode blocks to be line-sequentially scanned in atime-divisional manner. As a result, one detection block of the driveelectrodes COM is sequentially selected. By outputting the touchdetection signal Vdet from each of the touch detection lines TDL, touchdetection for one detection block is performed. In other words, thedrive electrode block corresponds to the drive electrode E1 in theabove-described basic principle of touch detection, and the touchdetection line TDL corresponds to the touch detection electrode E2.Further, the touch detection device 30 detects a touch in accordancewith this basic principle. As illustrated in FIG. 14, in the touch part30 a, the electrode patterns intersecting with each other form acapacitive type touch sensor in a matrix shape. Thus, scanning over theentire touch detection surface of the touch detection device 30 makes itpossible to detect a contact position or a proximity position of anexternal proximity object.

As illustrated in FIG. 14, in the button part 30 b, one drive electrodeCOM intersects with the three touch detection lines TDLa to TDLc toconfigure three capacitive type touch sensors corresponding to the threebuttons 101 b to 101 d. Thus, scanning the touch detection lines TDLa toTDLc also make it possible to detect a contact position or a proximityposition of an external proximity object with respect to the threebuttons 101 b to 101 d.

Herein, the TFT substrate 21 corresponds to a specific example of a“first substrate” in the present disclosure. The counter substrate 3corresponds to a specific example of a “second substrate” in the presentdisclosure. The pixel electrode 22 corresponds to a specific example ofa “pixel electrode” in the present disclosure. The drive electrode COMcorresponds to a specific example of a “drive electrode” in the presentdisclosure. The liquid crystal LC corresponds to a specific example of a“display functional layer” in the present disclosure. The driveelectrode driver 14 corresponds to a specific example of a “drive signalsupplying circuit” in the present disclosure. The touch detection lineTDL corresponds to a specific example of a “touch detection line” in thepresent disclosure.

1-1B. Operations and Functions

Next, operations and functions of the display device with a touchdetection function 1 according to the first embodiment will bedescribed.

The drive electrode COM present in the touch part 30 a functions as thecommon drive electrode for the liquid crystal display unit 20 and alsoas the drive electrode for the touch detection device 30. Therefore,there is a possibility that the drive signal Vcom influences the both.Thus, the drive signal Vcom is applied to the drive electrode COMseparately in a display period B during which a display operation isperformed and in a touch detection period A during which a touchdetection operation is performed. The drive electrode driver 14 appliesthe drive signal Vcom as a display drive signal in the display period Bduring which the display operation is performed. The drive electrodedriver 14 applies the drive signal Vcom as a touch drive signal in thetouch detection period A during which the touch detection operation isperformed. In the following description, the drive signal Vcom used as adisplay drive signal may be described as a display drive signal Vcomdand the drive signal Vcom used as a touch drive signal may be describedas a touch drive signal Vcomt.

As the touch drive signal Vcomt, a signal with an AC rectangularwaveform can be used. As the display drive signal Vcomd, a DC voltagesignal may be used or an AC rectangular waveform signal may be used.

Outline of Overall Operation

An operation in the portion of the touch part 30 a in the display devicewith a touch detection function 1 will be described first. The controlunit 11 supplies control signals to the gate driver 12, the sourcedriver 13, the drive electrode driver 14, and the touch detection unit40, respectively, based on the externally-supplied video signal Vdispand controls them to be operated in synchronization with one another. Inthe display period B, the gate driver 12 supplies the scanning signalVscan to the liquid crystal display unit 20 and sequentially selects onehorizontal line to be driven for display. In the display period B, thesource driver 13 supplies the image signal Vpix to the respective pixelsPix making up one horizontal line selected by the gate driver 12.

In the display period B, the drive electrode driver 14 applies thedisplay drive signal Vcomd to the drive electrode block associated withone horizontal line. In the touch detection period A, the driveelectrode driver 14 sequentially applies the touch drive signal Vcomt tothe drive electrode block associated with the touch detection operation,thereby sequentially selecting one detection block. The display unitwith a touch detection function 10 performs a display operation in thedisplay period B based on the signals supplied by the gate driver 12,the source driver 13, and the drive electrode driver 14. The displayunit with a touch detection function 10 performs a touch detectionoperation in the touch detection period A based on the signal suppliedby the drive electrode driver 14 and outputs the touch detection signalsVdet from the touch detection lines TDL. The analog LPF 42 amplifies andthen outputs the touch detection signals Vdet. The A/D convertor 43converts the analog signals outputted from the analog LPF 42 into thedigital signals at timings synchronized with the touch drive signalVcomt. The signal processor 44 detects the presence or absence of atouch with respect to the touch detection device 30 based on the outputsignals from the A/D convertor 43. When a touch is detected in thesignal processor 44, the coordinate extractor 45 obtains the touch panelcoordinate of the touch. The control unit 11 controls the detectiontiming controller 46 and changes the sampling frequency of the touchdrive signal Vcomt.

An operation in the portion of the button part 30 b in the displaydevice with a touch detection function 1 will be described next. Sincethe button part 30 b of the display device with a touch detectionfunction 1 does not perform display, it is only necessary to be operatedduring the touch detection period A without being operated during thedisplay period B. Specifically, the display unit with a touch detectionfunction 10 performs a touch detection operation in the touch detectionperiod A based on the signal supplied by the drive electrode driver 14and outputs the touch detection signals Vdet from the touch detectionlines TDL. The analog LPF 42 amplifies and then outputs the touchdetection signals Vdet. The A/D convertor 43 converts the analog signalsoutputted from the analog LPF 42 into the digital signals at timingssynchronized with the touch drive signal Vcomt. The signal processor 44detects the presence or absence of a touch with respect to the touchdetection device 30 based on the output signals from the A/D convertor43. When a touch is detected in the signal processor 44, the coordinateextractor 45 determines if the touched button is the button 101 b (seeFIG. 1, corresponding to the “back button”), the button 101 c(corresponding to the “home button”), or the button 101 d (correspondingto the “menu button”). The control unit 11 controls the detection timingcontroller 46 and changes the sampling frequency of the touch drivesignal Vcomt.

Detailed Operations

Detailed operations of the display device with a touch detectionfunction 1 will be described next. An operation in the portion of thetouch part 30 a in the display device with a touch detection function 1will be described first. FIG. 15 is a timing waveform chart representingan operation example of the display device with a touch detectionfunction according to the first embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 15,the liquid crystal display unit 20 sequentially scans the adjacentscanning signal lines GCL in the (n−1)th row, the n-th row, and the(n+1)th row of the scanning signal lines GCL one horizontal line at atime according to the scanning signal Vscan supplied by the gate driver12 and performs display. Similarly, the drive electrode driver 14supplies the drive signal Vcom to the adjacent ones in the (n−1)th row,the n-th row, and the (n+1)th row of the drive electrodes COM in thedisplay unit with a touch detection function 10 based on the controlsignal supplied by the control unit 11.

In the display device with a touch detection function 1, the touchdetection operation (touch detection period A) and the display operation(display period B) are performed in a time-divisional manner for everyone display horizontal period (1H). In the touch detection operation, adifferent drive electrode COM is selected for every one displayhorizontal period 1H and the touch detection drive signal Vcomt isapplied thereto to thereby perform touch detection scanning. Theoperation thereof will be described below in detail.

First, the gate driver 12 applies the scanning signal Vscan to thescanning signal line GCL in the (n−1)th row, thereby changing thescanning signal Vscan(n−1) from low level to high level. One displayhorizontal period 1H is thereby started.

Next, in the touch detection period A, the drive electrode driver 14applies the touch drive signal Vcomt to the drive electrode COM in the(n−1)th row, thereby changing the drive signal Vcom(n−1) from low levelto high level. This drive signal Vcom(n−1) is transmitted to each of thetouch detection lines TDL via the capacitance, thereby changing thetouch detection signal Vdet. Next, when the drive signal Vcom(n−1) ischanged from high level to low level, the touch detection signal Vdet ischanged similarly. This waveform of the touch detection signal Vdet inthe touch detection period A corresponds to the touch detection signalVdet in the above-described basic principle of touch detection. Thetouch detection unit 40 performs touch detection by performing A/Dconversion on each of touch detection signals Vdet in the touchdetection period A. Thus, touch detection for one detection line isperformed in the display device with a touch detection function 1.

Next, in the display period B, the source driver 13 applies the imagesignal Vpix to each of the pixel signal lines SGL to perform display forone horizontal line. As illustrated in FIG. 15, this change in the imagesignal Vpix may be transmitted to the touch detection line TDL via theparasitic capacitance, thereby changing the touch detection signal Vdet.However, by keeping the A/D convertor 43 from performing A/D conversionin the display period B, an effect of this change in the image signalVpix on touch detection can be suppressed. After the supply of the imagesignal Vpix by the source driver 13 is ended, the gate driver 12 changesthe scanning signal Vscan(n−1) for the scanning signal line GCL in the(n−1)th row from high level to low level, thereby ending one displayhorizontal period (1H).

In the display period B, the drive electrode driver 14 applies thedisplay drive signal Vcomd to the selected drive electrode COM. In thisexample, a DC voltage at 0 V is applied as Vcomd in the display periodB.

In other words, in this example, the touch drive signal Vcomt is arectangular wave signal having a low-level portion and a high-levelportion, and the display drive signal Vcomd is a DC voltage signal atthe same level as the low level of the touch drive signal Vcomt.

In this example, the drive electrode driver 14 applies the DC voltagesignal at the same level as the display drive signal Vcomd to the driveelectrode COM also in a period during which it is not selected by thegate driver 12. However, the drive electrode COM may be in a floatingstate without the voltage signal applied thereto in a period duringwhich it is not selected by the gate driver 12.

Next, the gate driver 12 applies the scanning signal Vscan to thescanning signal line GCL in the n-th row, which is different from theprevious scanning signal line GCL, thereby changing the scanning signalVscan(n) from low level to high level. Next one display horizontalperiod (1H) is thereby started.

In the next touch detection period A, the drive electrode driver 14applies the drive signal Vcom to the drive electrode COM in the n-throw, which is different from the previous drive electrode COM. The touchdetection unit 40 performs A/D conversion on a change in each of thetouch detection signals Vdet, thereby performing touch detection forthis one detection line.

Next, in the display period B, the source driver 13 applies the imagesignal Vpix to each of the pixel signal lines SGL to perform display forone horizontal line. Since the display device with a touch detectionfunction 1 according to the present embodiment performs inversion drive,the image signal Vpix applied by the source driver 13 has a polarityinverted from that of the previous one display horizontal period (1H).After this display period B is ended, this one display horizontal period(1H) is ended.

Subsequently, by repeating the above-described operations, the displaydevice with a touch detection function 1 performs the display operationby means of scanning over the entire display screen and performs thetouch detection operation by means of scanning over the entire touchdetection surface.

As described above, in the display device with a touch detectionfunction 1, the touch detection operation is performed in the touchdetection period A and the display operation is performed in the displayperiod B in one display horizontal period (1H). Since the touchdetection operation and the display operation are thus performed in thedifferent periods, both of the display operation and the touch detectionoperation can be performed in the same one display horizontal period. Itis also possible to suppress the effect of the display operation on thetouch detection.

Note that the display device with a touch detection function 1 does notnecessarily have to perform the touch detection operation and thedisplay operation in a time-divisional manner in one display horizontalperiod (1H). It can arbitrarily set the touch detection period A and thedisplay period B in one frame period during which display for one screenis performed to perform the touch detection operation and the displayoperation in a time-divisional manner.

In other words, the display device with a touch detection function 1 mayperform screen display and touch detection for one screen by repeating adisplay operation for a plurality of horizontal lines and a touchdetection operation for a plurality of lines. Alternatively, touchdetection for one screen or less or one screen or more may be performedduring the display operation for one screen. Alternatively, the displayoperation for one screen and the touch detection operation for onescreen may be repeated.

Next, an operation in the portion of the button part 30 b in the displaydevice with a touch detection function 1 will be described. Since thebutton part 30 b of the display device with a touch detection function 1does not perform display, it is only necessary to be operated during thetouch detection period A without being operated during the displayperiod B. Specifically, the drive electrode driver 14 supplies the drivesignal Vcomt to a drive electrode COMa (see FIG. 14) of the plurality ofdrive electrodes COM, which is present in the button part 30 b, based onthe control signal supplied by the control unit 11. The drive electrodedriver 14 can also drive the drive electrode COMa present in the buttonpart 30 b and the other drive electrodes COM present in the touch part30 a in a parallel manner or in a time-divisional manner. If the driveelectrode driver 14 applies the drive signal Vcomt to the driveelectrode COMa present in the button part 30 b in the touch detectionperiod A as described above, the drive signal Vcom is changed from lowlevel to high level. This drive signal Vcomt is transmitted to the touchdetection lines TDLa (corresponding to the button 101 b), TDLb(corresponding to the button 101 c), and TDLc (corresponding to thebutton 101 d) via the capacitances, thereby changing the touch detectionsignals Vdet. Next, when the drive signal Vcomt is changed from highlevel to low level, the touch detection signals Vdet are changedsimilarly. The waveforms of the touch detection signals Vdet in thetouch detection period A correspond to the touch detection signal Vdetin the above-described basic principle of touch detection. The touchdetection unit 40 performs touch detection by performing A/D conversionon the touch detection signals Vdet in the touch detection period A.

Thus, button touch detection in the button part 30 b is performed in thedisplay device with a touch detection function 1.

As described above, according to the display device with a touchdetection function 1 in the present embodiment, the buttons 101 b to 101d can be implemented by the button part 30 b of the touch detectiondevice 30. This makes it possible to eliminate a need to providededicated FPC, touch sensor, touch button, and the like in order toimplement the buttons 101 b to 101 d. Therefore, the display device witha touch detection function 1 can suppress an increase in the number ofcomponents, suppress an increase in the manufacturing steps, and achievea cost reduction with a simple circuit configuration.

In the display device with a touch detection function 1, the driveelectrode COMa in the button part 30 b, in which the detectionelectrodes TDL for the touch part 30 a can be used also for the buttonpart 30 b, can be formed in the same layer and in the same step as thedrive electrodes COM in the touch part 30 a. The display device with atouch detection function 1 can thus suppress an increase in themanufacturing steps, thereby being able to suppress an increase in thecost. The drive electrodes COM in the touch part 30 a and the driveelectrode COMa in the button part 30 b can be operated by sequentiallyapplying the drive signal thereto by the drive electrode driver 14. Thedisplay device with a touch detection function 1 can thus suppress anincrease in circuits, thereby being able to suppress an increase in thecost. The display device with a touch detection function 1 can performtouch detection by employing the detection principle of the mutualcapacitance method both in the touch part 30 a and in the button part 30b.

Even in a case where 2D touch input detection and image display are notperformed, e.g., in a case where the smartphone 100 is in a sleep mode,or the like, the display device with a touch detection function 1 canperform 0D button touch input detection by selecting and driving onlythe drive electrode COMa in the button part 30 b. Thus, in the displaydevice with a touch detection function 1, 0D button touch input can beused as a trigger for bringing the smartphone 100 from a sleep mode to anormal operation mode, for example, and the operability of thesmartphone 100 can be thereby improved while suppressing the powerconsumption.

The display device with a touch detection function 1 has been describedwith an example in which the present embodiment is applied to TN mode,VA mode, ECB mode, or the like. However, the present embodiment can beapplied also to FFS (Fringe Field Switching) mode, IPS (In PlaneSwitching) mode, or the like.

In other words, the drive electrodes COM and COMa may be formed abovethe pixel substrate 2. More specifically, they may have a structure(corresponding to FFS mode) in which the drive electrodes COM and COMaand the pixel electrodes are layered above the pixel substrate 2 via aninsulating layer interposed therebetween or a structure (correspondingto IPS mode) in which the drive electrodes COM and COMa and the pixelelectrodes are arranged in an alternate manner in the same plane abovethe pixel substrate 2.

1-2. Second Embodiment

In the first embodiment, the touch part 30 a for performing 2D touchdetection and the button part 30 b for performing 0D button touchdetection share the touch detection line TDL. However, a touch detectionelectrode for performing button touch detection in the button part 30 bmay be separately provided.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a terminal according to the secondembodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 16, a terminal T2 formed from aflexible printed circuit and the like includes: a first portion T2 ahaving a generally rectangular shape extending in the horizontaldirection in the figure; and a second portion T2 b extending in thedownward direction in the figure from a portion slightly offset from acentral portion of the first portion T2 a toward the left side in thefigure.

Along a longitudinal side (the upper side in the figure) of the firstportion T2 a of the terminal T2, a plurality of terminals 111 to becoupled to a plurality of touch detection lines TDL, respectively, areprovided. The terminals 111 are coupled to the touch detection unit 40via wirings (not illustrated) formed in the terminal T2. The touchdetection unit 40 is thus coupled to the plurality of touch detectionlines TDL, thereby being able to detect 2D touch input.

Touch detection electrodes 112 to 114 are formed on the principalsurface (the surface on the nearer side of the paper plane) of theterminal T2 so as to correspond to the three buttons 101 b to 101 d. Thetouch detection electrodes 112 to 114 are coupled to wirings 112 a to112 c formed on the principal surface of the terminal T2, respectively.The wirings 112 a to 112 c are coupled to the touch detection unit 40.The touch detection unit 40 is thus coupled to the three touch detectionelectrodes 112 to 114, thereby being able to detect 0D button touchinput.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a module in which adisplay device with a touch detection function according to the secondembodiment is mounted. As illustrated in FIG. 17, the display unit witha touch detection function 10 has the button part 30 b on the side ofthe COG 19A and the touch part 30 a on the side opposite to the COG 19A.The terminal T2 is disposed in an upper layer (the nearer side of thepaper plane) of the button part 30 b. The touch detection electrodes 112to 114 formed on the terminal T2 constitute three capacitive type touchsensors in combination with the drive electrode COM formed in the buttonpart 30 b.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view representing a schematiccross-sectional structure of the display unit with a touch detectionfunction according to the second embodiment. The display unit with atouch detection function 10 includes: the pixel substrate 2; the countersubstrate 3 disposed in a facing manner in a direction perpendicular tothe surface of the pixel substrate 2; and the liquid crystal layer 6interposed between the pixel substrate 2 and the counter substrate 3.

A portion of the pixel substrate 2 corresponding to the touch part 30 aincludes: the TFT substrate 21 as a circuit board; and the plurality ofpixel electrodes 22 arranged in a matrix shape on this TFT substrate 21.The counter substrate 3 includes: the glass substrate 31; the colorfilter 32 formed on one surface of the glass substrate 31; and theplurality of drive electrodes COM formed on the surface of the colorfilter 32 opposite to the glass substrate 31. The touch detection linesTDL, each of which is a detection electrode of the touch detectiondevice 30, are formed on the other surface of the glass substrate 31.The polarizer 35 is further provided on this touch detection lines TDL.

The drive electrode COM according to the present embodiment functions asa common drive electrode for the liquid crystal display unit 20 and alsoas a drive electrode for the touch detection device 30. In the presentembodiment, one drive electrode COM is disposed so as to correspond toone pixel electrode 22 (the pixel electrodes 22 constituting one row).The drive electrode COM according to the present embodiment faces thepixel electrode 22 in the direction perpendicular to the surface of theTFT substrate 21 and extends in a direction parallel to theabove-described extending direction of the pixel signal line SGL. Thedrive electrode COM is configured so that the drive signal Vcom isapplied to the drive electrode COM by the drive electrode driver 14 viathe contact conducting cylinder (not illustrated) having a conductiveproperty.

In the portion of the pixel substrate 2 and the counter substrate 3corresponding to the button part 30 b, only detection for button touchinput is performed and no image display is performed. Thus, asillustrated in FIG. 18, only the drive electrode COMa used for detectingbutton touch input is formed therein. TFT elements Tr, pixel signallines SGL, the scanning signal lines GCL, and the like used for imagedisplay are not formed.

An electric field F is exerted from the drive electrode COMa in thebutton part 30 b toward the touch detection electrode 112 on theterminal T2 in a direction from the lower left in the figure to theupper right in the figure. The display unit with a touch detectionfunction 10 can detect button touch input on the button part 30 b due tothe electric field F.

According to the present embodiment, forming the touch detectionelectrodes 112 to 114 for the 0D buttons on the terminal T2 allows thetouch detection electrodes 112 to 114 to be formed with a large size.This makes it possible to strengthen the electric field formed betweenthe drive electrode COMa in the button part 30 b and the detectionelectrodes 112 to 114 in the button part 30 b. Thus, the display devicewith a touch detection function 1 can expand the detection range ofbutton touch input, improve the detection sensitivity, and improve theoperability of the smartphone 100.

The drive electrode COMa for detecting 0D button touch input can beformed in the same layer and in the same step as the drive electrodesCOM for performing 2D touch input detection and image display. Thedisplay device with a touch detection function 1 can thus suppress anincrease in the manufacturing steps, thereby being able to suppress anincrease in the cost.

Furthermore, the drive electrode COMa in the button part 30 b and thedrive electrodes COM in the touch part 30 a can share a drive signalsupplying circuit (the drive electrode driver 14 or the like) forsupplying a drive signal for touch detection thereto and the driveelectrode COMa and the drive electrodes COM can be sequentially selectedto be supplied with the drive signal. Thus, dedicated drive circuits canbe diminished or reduced, thereby being able to suppress an increase inthe cost.

In the display device with a touch detection function 1, the touchdetection lines TDL for 2D touch input detection and the touch detectionelectrodes 112 to 114 for 0D button touch input detection are separatelyprovided. As a result, even in a case where 2D touch input detection andimage display are not performed, e.g., in a case where the smartphone100 is in a sleep mode, or the like, 0D button touch input detection canbe performed. Thus, in the display device with a touch detectionfunction 1, 0D button touch input can be used as a trigger for bringingthe smartphone 100 from a sleep mode to a normal operation mode, forexample, and the operability of the smartphone 100 can be therebyimproved while suppressing the power consumption.

In the display device with a touch detection function 1, the touchdetection lines TDL for 2D touch input detection and the touch detectionelectrodes 112 to 114 for 0D button touch input detection are separatelyprovided. As a result, the 2D touch input detection and the 0D buttontouch input detection can be easily performed in parallel orsimultaneously, and the detection accuracy can be enhanced. Thus, thedisplay device with a touch detection function 1 can reduce delay in the0D button touch input detection, thereby being able to improve theoperability of the smartphone 100.

The display device with a touch detection function 1 has been describedwith an example in which the present embodiment is applied to TN mode,VA mode, ECB mode, or the like. However, the present embodiment can beapplied also to FFS mode, IPS mode, or the like.

1-3. Third Embodiment

Typically, an electronic apparatus employing a liquid crystal displayunit often has a cover glass disposed as an upper layer of a liquidcrystal display panel in view of protecting the liquid crystal displaypanel, improving the contrast thereof, and the like. Thus, a touchdetection electrode for a 0D button may be disposed on a back surface ofthe cover glass (the surface of the cover glass on the liquid crystaldisplay panel side).

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view representing a schematiccross-sectional structure of a display unit with a touch detectionfunction according to the third embodiment. In the portion of the pixelsubstrate 2 and the counter substrate 3 corresponding to the button part30 b, only detection for button touch input is performed and no imagedisplay is performed. Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 19, only the driveelectrode COMa used for detecting button touch input is formed therein.TFT elements Tr, pixel signal lines SGL, scanning signal lines GCL, andthe like used for image display are not formed.

As illustrated in FIG. 19, a cover glass 121 is disposed in a facingmanner in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the display unitwith a touch detection function 10 in view of protecting the displayunit with a touch detection function 10, etc. A light-shielding layer122 is formed on the back surface (the surface on the side of thedisplay unit with a touch detection function 10) of the cover glass 121.A touch detection electrode 123 for detecting 0D button touch input isformed on the light-shielding layer 122 (on the side of the display unitwith a touch detection function 10). Since the touch detection electrode123 is hidden behind the light-shielding layer 122 as viewed from theline of sight by a user, it can be made difficult to be visuallyrecognized by the user.

According to the present embodiment, forming the touch detectionelectrode 123 for 0D buttons on the back surface of the cover glass 121allows the touch detection electrode 123 to be formed with a largersize. Thus, the display device with a touch detection function 1 canexpand the detection range of button touch input, improve the detectionsensitivity, and improve the operability of the smartphone 100. Since adistance between the touch detection electrode 123 and a finger, stylus,or the like can be reduced, the display device with a touch detectionfunction 1 can improve the detection sensitivity and the operability ofthe smartphone 100.

Even in a case where 2D touch input detection and image display are notperformed, e.g., in a case where the smartphone 100 is in a sleep mode,or the like, the display device with a touch detection function 1 canperform 0D button touch input detection by selecting and driving thedrive electrode COMa in the button part 30 b. Thus, in the displaydevice with a touch detection function 1, 0D button touch input can beused as a trigger for bringing the smartphone 100 from a sleep mode to anormal operation mode, for example, and the operability of thesmartphone 100 can be thereby improved while suppressing the powerconsumption.

The display device with a touch detection function 1 has been describedwith an example in which the present embodiment is applied to TN mode,VA mode, ECB mode, or the like. However, the present embodiment can beapplied also to FFS mode, IPS mode, or the like.

1-4. Fourth Embodiment

Typically, an electronic apparatus employing a liquid crystal displayunit often includes a backlight for irradiating a liquid crystal displaypanel from the back surface of the liquid crystal display panel in viewof improving the visibility and color representation thereof. Thus, 0Dbuttons may be irradiated with the backlight from the back surfaces ofthe 0D buttons.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view representing a schematiccross-sectional structure of a display unit with a touch detectionfunction according to the fourth embodiment. In the portion of the pixelsubstrate 2 and the counter substrate 3 corresponding to the button part30 b, only detection for button touch input is performed and no imagedisplay is performed. Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 20, only the driveelectrode COMa used for detecting button touch input is formed therein.TFT elements Tr, pixel signal lines SGL, scanning signal lines GCL, andthe like used for image display are not formed.

As illustrated in FIG. 20, a backlight 130 is disposed on the back side(the lower side in the figure) of the display unit with a touchdetection function 10 in view of improving the visibility and colorrepresentation thereof. The backlight 130 includes: a light source 131such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or a cold-cathode tube; and alight guide plate 132 for diffusing light emitted from the light source131 through the entire display unit with a touch detection function 10and changing the traveling direction of light to a direction travelingfrom the pixel substrate 2 toward the counter substrate 3. The lightemitted from the light guide plate 132 irradiates the touch part 30 afrom the back surface (the surface on the backlight 130 side) thereofand irradiates the button part 30 b from the back surface (the surfaceon the backlight 130 side) thereof.

In other words, light L emitted from the button part 30 b of the lightguide plate 132 sequentially passes through the drive electrode COMa,the color filter 32, the glass substrate 31, the touch detection lineTDL, and the polarizer 35 in the button part 30 b.

According to the present embodiment, irradiating the button part 30 bfrom the back surface thereof with the backlight 130 makes it possibleto improve the visibility of the button part 30 b. Thus, the displaydevice with a touch detection function 1 can improve the operability ofthe smartphone 100.

In the display device with a touch detection function 1, by forming atransmissive portion with a shape such as characters, graphics, symbols,or icons representing the “back button,” the “home button,” the “menubutton,” and the like, in the color filter 32 in the button part 30 b,the buttons 101 b to 101 d can be recognized more easily, thereby beingable to improve the operability of the smartphone 100.

In the display device with a touch detection function 1, by coloring thecolor filter 32 in the button part 30 b in red (R), green (G), blue (B),or the like, so as to have a shape such as characters, graphics,symbols, or icons representing the “back button,” the “home button,” the“menu button,” and the like, the buttons 101 b to 101 d can berecognized more easily, thereby being able to improve the operability ofthe smartphone 100.

In the display device with a touch detection function 1, if each buttonhas a different color, the buttons 101 b to 101 d can be recognized moreeasily, thereby being able to improve the operability of the smartphone100.

Even in a case where 2D touch input detection and image display are notperformed, e.g., in a case where the smartphone 100 is in a sleep mode,or the like, the display device with a touch detection function 1 canperform 0D button touch input detection by selecting and driving thedrive electrode COMa in the button part 30 b. Thus, in the displaydevice with a touch detection function 1, 0D button touch input can beused as a trigger for bringing the smartphone 100 from a sleep mode to anormal operation mode, for example, and the operability of thesmartphone 100 can be thereby improved while suppressing the powerconsumption.

The display device with a touch detection function 1 has been describedwith an example in which the present embodiment is applied to TN mode,VA mode, ECB mode, or the like. However, the present embodiment can beapplied also to FFS mode, IPS mode, or the like.

1-5. Fifth Embodiment

In the fourth embodiment, the 0D buttons are irradiated with thebacklight from the back surfaces of the 0D buttons. Furthermore, a TFTelement and an electrode may be disposed in the button part and therebythe luminance of the 0D buttons may be changed by changing a lightamount passing through the button part.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view representing a schematiccross-sectional structure of a display unit with a touch detectionfunction according to the fifth embodiment. In the portion of the pixelsubstrate 2 and the counter substrate 3 corresponding to the button part30 b, a TFT element Tr (not illustrated) is formed and a pixel electrode22 a is formed. The TFT element Tr and the pixel electrode 22 a in thebutton part 30 b are driven by the gate driver 12 (see FIG. 2) and thesource driver 13 (see FIG. 2).

The control unit 11 (see FIG. 2) changes an electric field between thepixel electrode 22 a and the drive electrode COMa through the gatedriver 12 and the source driver 13. The liquid crystal layer 6 in thebutton part 30 b modulates light L passing therethrough in accordancewith a state of the electric field between the pixel electrode 22 a andthe drive electrode COMa.

Thus, the display device with a touch detection function 1 can changethe luminance of the buttons 101 b to 101 d. Therefore, the displaydevice with a touch detection function 1 can increase the luminance ofthe buttons 101 b to 101 d for bright outdoors or the like and candecrease the luminance of the buttons 101 b to 101 d for dark indoors orthe like, for example. The display device with a touch detectionfunction 1 can thus improve the visibility of the buttons 101 b to 101d, thereby being able to improve the operability of the smartphone 100.

Even in a case where 2D touch input detection and image display are notperformed, e.g., in a case where the smartphone 100 is in a sleep mode,or the like, the display device with a touch detection function 1 canperform 0D button touch input detection by selecting and driving thedrive electrode COMa in the button part 30 b. Thus, in the displaydevice with a touch detection function 1, 0D button touch input can beused as a trigger for bringing the smartphone 100 from a sleep mode to anormal operation mode, for example, and the operability of thesmartphone 100 can be thereby improved while suppressing the powerconsumption.

In the display unit with a touch detection function 10 illustrated inFIG. 21, the common light source 131 is used to irradiate the touch part30 a for detecting 2D touch input and the button part 30 b for detecting0D button touch input. However, a light source for irradiating the touchpart 30 a and a light source for irradiating the button part 30 b may beprovided separately.

FIG. 22 is a plan view illustrating another example of the backlight inthe display device with a touch detection function according to thefifth embodiment. A backlight 140 includes a light guide plate 141 andlight sources 151 to 155 and 161 to 164. The light guide plate 141includes: a main body portion 141 a; and projections 141 b to 141 fprojecting in a first direction (the downward direction in the figure)parallel to the principal surface of the main body portion 141 a fromone side (the side located on the lower side in the figure) of the mainbody portion 141 a.

The light sources 151 to 155 for irradiating the touch and display area101 a are disposed such that the light-emitting surfaces thereof facesurfaces of the projections 141 b to 141 f on the first direction sideintersecting with the principal surface of the main body portion 141 aand are directed to a second direction (the upward direction in thefigure) opposite to the first direction. Light beams L2 emitted from thelight sources 151 to 155 are incident on the projections 141 b to 141 f,travel through the projections 141 b to 141 f in the second direction,and reach the main body portion 141 a. In other words, each of theprojections 141 b to 141 f functions as a light-incident portion for thelight beams L2. The light beams L2 reached to the main body portion 141a are diffused through the entire main body portion 141 a and thetraveling direction of the light beams is changed to a directionperpendicular to the principal surface of the main body portion 141 a(the nearer-side direction of the paper plane).

Recesses 141 g to 141 j are formed between the projections 141 b to 141f. The light sources 161 to 164 for irradiating the buttons 101 b to 101d are disposed such that the light-emitting surfaces thereof face adirection toward the buttons 101 b to 101 d (the nearer-side directionof the paper plane) and are surrounded by the recesses 141 g to 141 j.Light beams emitted from the light sources 161 to 164 pass through thepixel substrate 2, the liquid crystal layer 6, and the counter substrate3 in the button part 30 b to irradiate the buttons 101 b to 101 d.

In the backlight 140, the light sources 151 to 155 for irradiating thetouch and display area 101 a and the light sources 161 to 164 forirradiating the buttons 101 b to 101 d are separately provided. As aresult, even in a case where 2D touch input detection and image displayare not performed, e.g., in a case where the smartphone 100 is in asleep mode, or the like, the 0D buttons 101 b to 101 d can beirradiated. Thus, the display device with a touch detection function 1can illuminate the buttons 101 b to 101 d even when the smartphone 100is in a sleep mode, thereby being able to improve the operability of thesmartphone 100.

In the backlight 140, the light sources 151 to 155 for irradiating thetouch and display area 101 a and the light sources 161 to 164 forirradiating the buttons 101 b to 101 d are separately provided. As aresult, the luminance of the touch and display area 101 a and theluminance of the buttons 101 b to 101 d can be made different from eachother. Thus, by decreasing the luminance of the touch and display area101 a and increasing the luminance of the buttons 101 b to 101 d, forexample, the display device with a touch detection function 1 can reducethe power consumption thereof while increasing the visibility of thebuttons 101 b to 101 d.

The light beams L2 emitted from the light sources 151 to 155 do notdiffuse much when they enter the projections 141 b to 141 f, but diffusewidely when they enter the main body portion 141 a. Thus, even when therecesses 141 g to 141 j are provided, they do not have a great effect onthe diffusion of the lights L2. In other words, the recesses 141 g to141 j are dead spaces in the backlight 140. Thus, providing the lightsources 161 to 164 within the recesses 141 g to 141 j, which are deadspaces, makes it possible to reduce the occupied area of the backlight140, thereby being able to prevent the housing of the smartphone 100from increasing in size.

The display device with a touch detection function 1 has been describedwith an example in which the present embodiment is applied to TN mode,VA mode, ECB mode, or the like. However, the present embodiment can beapplied also to FFS mode, IPS mode, or the like.

1-6. Sixth Embodiment

In the first to fifth embodiments, the button part is disposed in aportion where the pixel substrate and the counter substrate overlap eachother in a planar view (as viewed from the direction perpendicular tothe principal surface of the display device with a touch detectionfunction). However, a portion not overlapping the pixel substrate in aplanar view may be provided in the counter substrate and the button partmay be provided in that portion.

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view representing a schematiccross-sectional structure of a display unit with a touch detectionfunction according to the sixth embodiment. The display unit with atouch detection function 10 includes: the pixel substrate 2; the countersubstrate 3 disposed in a facing manner in a direction perpendicular tothe surface of the pixel substrate 2; and the liquid crystal layer 6interposed between the pixel substrate 2 and the counter substrate 3.

A portion of the counter substrate 3 overlaps the pixel substrate 2 andthe other portion thereof does not overlap the pixel substrate 2 in aplanar view (as viewed from the direction perpendicular to the surfaceof the pixel substrate 2). In the counter substrate 3, the portionoverlapping the pixel substrate 2 serves as the touch part 30 a and theportion not overlapping the pixel substrate 2 serves as the button part30 b.

In the portion of the counter substrate 3 corresponding to the buttonpart 30 b, only detection for 0D button touch input is performed and noimage display is performed. Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 23, the driveelectrode COMa and the touch detection lines TDL used for detecting 0Dbutton touch input are formed therein.

FIG. 24 is a plan view of the display unit with a touch detectionfunction in FIG. 23. As illustrated in FIG. 24, a portion (the portionon the lower side in the figure) of the counter substrate 3 overlaps thepixel substrate 2 and the other portion (the portion on the upper sidein the figure) does not overlap the pixel substrate 2. In the countersubstrate 3, the portion overlapping the pixel substrate 2 serves as thetouch part 30 a and the portion not overlapping the pixel substrate 2serves as the button part 30 b.

The button part 30 b extends in a direction along a short side of thedisplay unit with a touch detection function 10. The drive electrodeCOMa formed in the button part 30 b for detecting 0D button touch inputalso extends in a direction along a short side of the display unit witha touch detection function 10. The touch detection lines TDL forperforming 2D touch input detection and 0D button touch input detectionextend over the touch part 30 a and the button part 30 b in a directionalong a long side of the display unit with a touch detection function10.

According to the present embodiment, the area of the liquid crystallayer 6 can be limited to the area of the touch part 30 a. Thus, thedisplay device with a touch detection function 1 can suppress the amountof the liquid crystal used, thereby achieving a cost reduction andcontributing to environmental conservation. It is therefore economicallyfavorable.

The drive electrode COMa for detecting 0D button touch input can beformed in the same layer and in the same step as the drive electrodesCOM for performing 2D touch input detection and image display. Thedisplay device with a touch detection function 1 can thus suppress anincrease in the manufacturing steps, thereby being able to suppress anincrease in the cost. The drive electrodes COM in the touch part 30 aand the drive electrode COMa in the button part 30 b can be operated bysequentially applying a drive signal thereto by the same drive circuit(drive electrode driver 14). The display device with a touch detectionfunction 1 can thus suppress an increase in circuits, thereby being ableto suppress an increase in the cost. The display device with a touchdetection function 1 can perform touch detection by employing thedetection principle of the mutual capacitance method both in the touchpart 30 a and in the button part 30 b.

Even in a case where 2D touch input detection and image display are notperformed, e.g., in a case where the smartphone 100 is in a sleep mode,or the like, the display device with a touch detection function 1 canperform 0D button touch input detection by selecting and driving thedrive electrode COMa in the button part 30 b. Thus, in the displaydevice with a touch detection function 1, 0D button touch input can beused as a trigger for bringing the smartphone 100 from a sleep mode to anormal operation mode, for example, and the operability of thesmartphone 100 can be thereby improved while suppressing the powerconsumption.

Next, a method for manufacturing the display unit with a touch detectionfunction 10 according to the present embodiment will be described.First, a method for manufacturing the display unit with a touchdetection function 10 according to the first to fifth embodiments, i.e.,the display unit with a touch detection function 10 in which the entirecounter substrate 3 overlaps the pixel substrate 2 will be described asa comparative example.

FIGS. 25 and 26 are diagrams for explaining the method for manufacturingthe display unit with a touch detection function according to the firstto fifth embodiments. First, TFT elements Tr, scanning signal lines GCL,pixel signal lines SGL, pixel electrodes 22, and the like are formed onthe principal surface of a large substrate (mother glass) 181 to be thepixel substrates 2 after being cut in the future. On the other hand, acolor filter 32, drive electrodes COM, and the like are formed on theprincipal surface (the surface on the large substrate 181 side) of alarge substrate (mother glass) 182 to be the counter substrates 3 afterbeing cut in the future. Next, the large substrate 181 and the largesubstrate 182 are adhered to each other via a sealing member to producea large adhered substrate 183. At this time, the liquid crystal isentered between the large substrate 181 and the large substrate 182 witha liquid crystal injection method, a liquid crystal dropping method, orthe like.

Next, the large substrate 182 is cut along a cut line CL1 to remove anunnecessary end portion 182 a. The large substrate 181 and the largesubstrate 182 are cut along cut lines CL3 and CL5. As a result of thiscutting, three adhered substrates 184 to 186 are obtained. In theadhered substrate 184, the counter substrate 3 is cut along a cut lineCL2 to remove an unnecessary portion 3 a and thereby reserve an areawhere a COG 19A is mounted on the pixel substrate 2. The COG 19A ismounted on the pixel substrate 2 to produce the display unit with atouch detection function 10. Similarly, in the adhered substrate 185,the counter substrate 3 is cut along a cut line CL4 to remove theunnecessary portion 3 a and thereby reserve an area where the COG 19A ismounted on the pixel substrate 2. The COG 19A is mounted on the pixelsubstrate 2 to produce the display unit with a touch detection function10. The adhered substrate 186 does not have to remove an unnecessaryportion. The COG 19A is mounted on the pixel substrate 2 to produce thedisplay unit with a touch detection function 10.

Next, the method for manufacturing the display unit with a touchdetection function 10 according to the present embodiment will bedescribed. In other words, the method for manufacturing the display unitwith a touch detection function 10 in which a portion of the countersubstrate 3 overlaps the pixel substrate 2 and the other portion thereofdoes not overlap the pixel substrate 2 will be described.

FIGS. 27 and 28 are diagrams for explaining the method for manufacturingthe display unit with a touch detection function according to thepresent embodiment. First, TFT elements Tr, scanning signal lines GCL,pixel signal lines SGL, pixel electrodes 22, and the like are formed onthe principal surface of a large substrate 187 to be the pixelsubstrates 2 after being cut in the future. On the other hand, a colorfilter 32, drive electrodes COM, and the like are formed on theprincipal surface (the surface on the large substrate 187 side) of alarge substrate 188 to be the counter substrates 3 after being cut inthe future. Next, the large substrate 187 and the large substrate 188are adhered to each other via a sealing member to produce a largeadhered substrate 189. At this time, the liquid crystal is enteredbetween the large substrate 187 and the large substrate 188 with aliquid crystal injection method, a liquid crystal dropping method, orthe like.

Next, the large substrate 188 is cut along cut lines CL6 and CL8, andthe large substrate 187 is cut along cut lines CL7 and CL9. As a resultof this cutting, three adhered substrates 190 to 192 are obtained. Inthe adhered substrates 190 to 192, there is no need to remove anunnecessary portion. A COG 19A is mounted on the pixel substrate 2 toproduce the display unit with a touch detection function 10. A portionof the counter substrate 3 in the adhered substrate 191 not overlappingthe pixel substrate 2 in the adhered substrate 191, i.e., a portion ofthe counter substrate 3 in the adhered substrate 191 projecting in theleft direction in the figure, overlaps a portion of the pixel substrate2 in the adjacent adhered substrate 190 not overlapping the countersubstrate 3 in the adhered substrate 190, i.e., a portion of the pixelsubstrate 2 in the adhered substrate 190 projecting in the rightdirection in the figure. Similarly, a portion of the counter substrate 3in the adhered substrate 192 not overlapping the pixel substrate 2 inthe adhered substrate 192, i.e., a portion of the counter substrate 3 inthe adhered substrate 192 projecting in the left direction in thefigure, overlaps a portion of the pixel substrate 2 in the adjacentadhered substrate 191 not overlapping the counter substrate 3 in theadhered substrate 191, i.e., a portion of the pixel substrate 2 in theadhered substrate 191 projecting in the right direction in the figure.

According to the present embodiment, without generating unnecessaryportions, the adhered substrates 190 to 192 can be produced and thedisplay units with a touch detection function 10 can be furtherproduced. Thus, the manufacturing steps can be reduced and wastedischarged can be suppressed. It can contribute to environmentalconservation and is economically favorable.

In FIGS. 27 and 28, the three display units with a touch detectionfunction 10 are produced from the one large adhered substrate 189. Inreality, however, a large number of display units with a touch detectionfunction 10 can be produced from one adhered substrate.

In FIG. 23, the display device with a touch detection function 1 hasbeen illustrated with an example in which the embodiment is applied toTN mode, VA mode, ECB mode, or the like. However, the present embodimentcan be applied also to FFS mode, IPS mode, or the like. The driveelectrodes COM are provided on the counter substrate 3 side in TN mode,VA mode, ECB mode, or the like, whereas the drive electrodes COM areprovided on the pixel substrate 2 side in FFS mode, IPS mode, or thelike.

FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view representing a schematiccross-sectional structure of a display unit with a touch detectionfunction having an FFS structure according to a modification of thesixth embodiment. The display unit with a touch detection function 10includes: the pixel substrate 2; the counter substrate 3 disposed in afacing manner in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the pixelsubstrate 2; and the liquid crystal layer 6 interposed between the pixelsubstrate 2 and the counter substrate 3.

A portion of the counter substrate 3 overlaps the pixel substrate 2 andthe other portion thereof does not overlap the pixel substrate 2 in aplanar view (as viewed from the direction perpendicular to the surfaceof the pixel substrate 2). In the counter substrate 3, the portionoverlapping the pixel substrate 2 serves as the touch part 30 a and theportion not overlapping the pixel substrate 2 serves as the button part30 b.

As illustrated in FIG. 29, in FFS mode, the drive electrodes COM areprovided on the pixel substrate 2 side in the touch part 30 a forperforming 2D touch input detection and image display and the pixelelectrodes are layered above the drive electrodes via an insulatinglayer (not illustrated) provided therebetween. In the touch part 30 a,the liquid crystal layer 6 is oriented by an electric field between thepixel electrodes 22 and the drive electrodes COM on the pixel substrate2 side and an image is thereby displayed. In the touch part 30 a, 2Dtouch input detection is performed by an electric field between thedrive electrodes COM on the pixel substrate 2 side and the touchdetection lines TDL on the counter substrate 3 side.

In the button part 30 b, on the other hand, the drive electrode COMa isprovided on the counter substrate 3 side. In the button part 30 b, 0Dbutton touch input detection is performed by an electric field betweenthe drive electrode COMa and the touch detection line TDL on the countersubstrate 3 side.

Even in this case, detection in the touch part and the button part isperformed by driving the drive electrode COMa and the drive electrodesCOM in synchronization with each other by the drive electrode driver.This can eliminate components and manufacturing steps, thereby beingable to suppress an increase in the cost and downsize the device.

Although the FFS structure has been described above, it can be appliedalso to an IPS structure in which the pixel electrodes and the driveelectrodes are disposed above the pixel substrate 2 in an alternatemanner on the same plane.

According to the present modification, 0D button touch input detectioncan be performed in the button part 30 b while receiving benefits suchas a wide viewing angle in FFS mode, IPS mode, or the like.

Even in a case where 2D touch input detection and image display are notperformed, e.g., in a case where the smartphone 100 is in a sleep mode,or the like, the display device with a touch detection function 1 canperform 0D button touch input detection by selecting and driving thedrive electrode COMa in the button part 30 b. Thus, in the displaydevice with a touch detection function 1, 0D button touch input can beused as a trigger for bringing the smartphone 100 from a sleep mode to anormal operation mode, for example, and the operability of thesmartphone 100 can be thereby improved while suppressing the powerconsumption.

1-7. Seventh Embodiment

In the first to sixth embodiments, the drive electrode for 0D buttontouch input detection is formed on the principal surface of the countersubstrate, i.e., on the surface of the counter substrate on the pixelsubstrate side. However, the drive electrode for 0D button touch inputdetection may be formed on the surface of the counter substrate oppositeto the pixel substrate.

FIG. 30 is a plan view of a display unit with a touch detection functionaccording to the seventh embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 30, in thedisplay unit with a touch detection function 10, the touch detectionlines TDLa to TDLc for performing 2D touch input detection and 0D buttontouch input detection extend so as to cover from the touch part 30 a tothe button part 30 b. In the button part 30 b, drive electrodes 171 to173 for 0D button touch input detection are formed so as to surround endportions of the touch detection lines TDLa to TDLc, respectively. Awiring 174 for driving the drive electrodes 171 to 173 is formed so asto go through the frame of the display unit with a touch detectionfunction 10.

FIG. 31 is an enlarged plan view of the touch detection line and thedrive electrode in FIG. 30. The drive electrodes 171 to 173 are formedin the same layer as the touch detection lines TDLa to TDLc and thedrive electrodes 171 to 173 are formed in the same step as the touchdetection lines TDLa to TDLc. As illustrated in FIG. 31, the driveelectrode 171 has a recess, i.e., an opening 171 a, and an end portionof the touch detection line TDLa extends to the inside of the opening171 a. An electric field is formed in a region between the end portionof the touch detection line TDLa and the drive electrode 171 surroundingthe end portion thereof. Due to this electric field, 0D button touchinput can be detected.

According to the present embodiment, an electric field is formed in theregion between the end portion of the touch detection line TDLa and thedrive electrode 171 surrounding that end portion. Thus, the displaydevice with a touch detection function 1 can expand the detection rangeof 0D button touch input, improve the detection sensitivity, and improvethe operability of the smartphone 100.

The drive electrodes 171 to 173 are formed in the same layer as thetouch detection lines TDLa to TDLc and the drive electrodes 171 to 173are formed in the same step as the touch detection lines TDLa to TDLc.Thus, the display unit with a touch detection function 10 can suppressan increase in the manufacturing steps, thereby being able to achieve acost reduction.

Even in a case where 2D touch input detection and image display are notperformed, e.g., in a case where the smartphone 100 is in a sleep mode,or the like, the display device with a touch detection function 1 canperform 0D button touch input detection by selecting and driving thedrive electrode COMa in the button part 30 b. Thus, in the displaydevice with a touch detection function 1, 0D button touch input can beused as a trigger for bringing the smartphone 100 from a sleep mode to anormal operation mode, for example, and the operability of thesmartphone 100 can be thereby improved while suppressing the powerconsumption.

The display device with a touch detection function 1 according to thepresent embodiment can be applied to TN mode, VA mode, ECB mode, FFSmode, IPS mode, or the like.

1-8. Eighth Embodiment

In the first to seventh embodiments, a line width of the touch detectionline is formed uniformly. However, a line width of the portion of thetouch detection line for detecting 0D button touch input may be formedlarger than a line width of the portion thereof for detecting 2D touchinput.

FIG. 32 is a plan view of a display unit with a touch detection functionaccording to the eighth embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 32, in thedisplay unit with a touch detection function 10, the touch detectionlines TDLa to TDLc for performing 2D touch input detection and 0D buttontouch input detection extend so as to cover from the touch part 30 a tothe button part 30 b. In the button part 30 b, a line width of endportions TDLa1 to TDLc1 of the touch detection lines TDLa to TDLc isformed larger than a line width of the touch detection lines TDLa toTDLc in the touch part 30 a.

FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of the display unit with a touchdetection function in FIG. 32. In the button part 30 b, alight-shielding layer B is formed on a surface of the counter substrate3 opposite to the principal surface thereof (the surface on the upperside in the figure). The touch detection line TDLa is formed in an upperlayer of the light-shielding layer B. On the principal surface side ofthe counter substrate 3, the drive electrode COMa for 0D button touchinput detection is formed. An electric field F directed from the driveelectrode COMa to the end portion TDLa1 in a direction from the lowerright to the upper left in the figure is formed between the driveelectrode COMa and the end portion TDLa1 of the touch detection lineTDLa. The display unit with a touch detection function 10 can detect 0Dbutton touch input due to such an electric field F.

According to the present embodiment, the line width of the end portionsTDLa1 to TDLc1 of the touch detection lines TDLa to TDLc in the buttonpart 30 b is formed larger than the line width of the touch detectionlines TDLa to TDLc in the touch part 30 a. Thus, the display device witha touch detection function 1 can expand the detection range of 0D buttontouch input, improve the detection sensitivity, and improve theoperability of the smartphone 100.

Even in a case where 2D touch input detection and image display are notperformed, e.g., in a case where the smartphone 100 is in a sleep mode,or the like, the display device with a touch detection function 1 canperform 0D button touch input detection by selecting and driving thedrive electrode COMa in the button part 30 b. Thus, in the displaydevice with a touch detection function 1, 0D button touch input can beused as a trigger for bringing the smartphone 100 from a sleep mode to anormal operation mode, for example, and the operability of thesmartphone 100 can be thereby improved while suppressing the powerconsumption.

The display device with a touch detection function 1 according to thepresent embodiment can be applied to TN mode, VA mode, ECB mode, FFSmode, IPS mode, or the like.

1-9. Ninth Embodiment

In the first to eighth embodiments, the drive electrode in the touchpart and the drive electrode in the button part are driven in parallelor in a time-divisional manner. However, only the drive electrode in thebutton part may be driven without driving the drive electrode in thetouch part.

FIG. 34 is a block diagram representing a configuration example of adisplay device with a touch detection function according to the ninthembodiment. The display device with a touch detection function 1includes: the display unit with a touch detection function 10; thecontrol unit 11; the gate driver 12; the source driver 13; the driveelectrode driver 14; and the touch detection unit 40.

The drive electrode driver 14 is a circuit for supplying the drivesignal Vcom to the drive electrode COM in the display unit with a touchdetection function 10 based on the control signal supplied by thecontrol unit 11. The drive electrode driver 14 includes a button drivingunit 14 a for driving the drive electrode COMa for 0D button touch inputdetection in the button part 30 b. The button driving unit 14 a canoperate independently to supply the drive signal Vcom to the driveelectrode COMa in the button part 30 b even when the portion other thanthe button driving unit 14 a in the drive electrode driver 14 is notoperated, i.e., even when image display and 2D touch input detection arenot performed.

According to the present embodiment, even in a case where 2D touch inputdetection and image display are not performed, e.g., in a case where thesmartphone 100 is in a sleep mode, or the like, 0D button touch inputdetection can be performed. Thus, in the display device with a touchdetection function 1, 0D button touch input can be used as a trigger forbringing the smartphone 100 from a sleep mode to a normal operationmode, and the operability of the smartphone 100 can be thereby improvedwhile suppressing the power consumption.

FIG. 35 is a block diagram representing a configuration example of adisplay device with a touch detection function according to amodification of the ninth embodiment. The display device with a touchdetection function 1 includes: the display unit with a touch detectionfunction 10; the control unit 11; the gate driver 12; the source driver13; the drive electrode driver 14; a touch IC 15; and the touchdetection unit 40.

The touch IC 15 is a circuit for supplying the drive signal Vcom to thedrive electrode COMa for 0D button touch input detection in the buttonpart 30 b of the display unit with a touch detection function 10 basedon the control signal supplied by the control unit 11. The touch IC 15can supply the drive signal Vcom to the drive electrode COMa in thebutton part 30 b even when the drive electrode driver 14 is notoperated, i.e., even when image display and 2D touch input detection arenot performed.

According to the present modification, even in a case where 2D touchinput detection and image display are not performed, e.g., in a casewhere the smartphone 100 is in a sleep mode, or the like, 0D buttontouch input detection can be performed. Thus, in the display device witha touch detection function 1, 0D button touch input can be used as atrigger for bringing the smartphone 100 from a sleep mode to a normaloperation mode, and the operability of the smartphone 100 can be therebyimproved while suppressing the power consumption.

Although the present disclosure has been described above with referenceto some embodiments and modifications, the present disclosure is notlimited to these embodiments and the like and various modifications arepossible.

In the above-described embodiments, the drive electrodes COM are drivenand scanned one by one as illustrated in the first embodiment describedabove. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.Alternatively, the predetermined number of drive electrodes COM may bedriven and the drive electrodes COM may be scanned by being shifted oneby one, for example.

In the display device with a touch detection function 1 according toeach of the above-described embodiments and modifications, the liquidcrystal display unit 20 using the liquid crystal in various modes suchas TN mode, VA mode, or ECB mode and the touch detection device 30 canbe integrated together to obtain the display unit with a touch detectionfunction 10. Alternatively, the display unit with a touch detectionfunction 10 may be obtained by integrating the liquid crystal displayunit using the liquid crystal in a transverse electric field mode suchas FFS mode or IPS mode and the touch detection device together.

For example, the display device with a touch detection function 1 mayemploy the liquid crystal in a transverse electric field mode. Althougha so-called in-cell type in which a liquid crystal display unit and acapacitive type touch detection device are integrated together isemployed in each of the above-described embodiments, the presentdisclosure is not limited thereto. Alternatively, a device in which acapacitive type touch detection device is mounted on a liquid crystaldisplay unit may be employed, for example. Also in this case, byemploying the configuration as described above, touch detection can beperformed while suppressing effects of external noise and noisetransmitted from the liquid crystal display unit (that corresponding tothe internal noise in each of the above-described embodiments).

2. Application Examples

Next, application examples of the display device with a touch detectionfunction 1 described in each of the embodiments and the modificationswill be described with reference to FIGS. 36 to 47. FIGS. 36 to 47 arediagrams each illustrating an example of an electronic apparatus towhich the display device with a touch detection function according toany one of the embodiments of the present disclosure is applied. Thedisplay devices with a touch detection function 1 according to the firstto ninth embodiments and the modifications can be applied to electronicapparatuses in any fields such as TV apparatuses, digital cameras,notebook personal computers, portable electronic apparatuses such asmobile phones, or video cameras. In other words, the display deviceswith a touch detection function 1 according to the first to ninthembodiments and the modifications can be applied to electronicapparatuses in any fields for displaying externally-inputted videosignals or internally-generated video signals as images or videos.

Application Example 1

An electronic apparatus illustrated in FIG. 36 is a TV apparatus towhich the display device with a touch detection function 1 according toany one of the first to ninth embodiments and the modifications isapplied. This TV apparatus includes a video display screen unit 510containing a front panel 511 and a filter glass 512, for example. Thisvideo display screen unit 510 is the display device with a touchdetection function according to any one of the first to ninthembodiments and the modifications.

Application Example 2

An electronic apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 37 and 38 is a digitalcamera to which the display device with a touch detection function 1according to any one of the first to ninth embodiments and themodifications is applied. This digital camera includes: a flashlight-emitting unit 521; a display unit 522; a menu switch 523; and ashutter button 524, for example. The display unit 522 is the displaydevice with a touch detection function according to any one of the firstto ninth embodiments and the modifications.

Application Example 3

An electronic apparatus illustrated in FIG. 39 illustrates an appearanceof a video camera to which the display device with a touch detectionfunction 1 according to any one of the first to ninth embodiments andthe modifications is applied. This video camera includes: a main bodyunit 531; a lens 532 for capturing an object, which is provided on afront side surface of the main body unit 531; a start/stop switch 533;and a display unit 534, for example. The display unit 534 is the displaydevice with a touch detection function according to any one of the firstto ninth embodiments and the modifications.

Application Example 4

An electronic apparatus illustrated in FIG. 40 is a notebook personalcomputer to which the display device with a touch detection function 1according to any one of the first to ninth embodiments and themodifications is applied. This notebook personal computer includes: amain body 541; a keyboard 542 provided for an operation of inputtingcharacters and the like; and a display unit 543 for displaying an image,for example. The display unit 543 is the display device with a touchdetection function according to any one of the first to ninthembodiments and the modifications.

Application Example 5

An electronic apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 41 to 47 is a mobile phoneto which the display device with a touch detection function 1 accordingto any one of the first to ninth embodiments and the modifications isapplied. For example, this mobile phone is configured by coupling anupper housing 551 with a lower housing 552 by means of a coupling unit(hinge unit) 553, and includes: a display 554; a sub-display 555; apicture light 556; and a camera 557. The display 554 or the sub-display555 is the display device with a touch detection function according toany one of the first to ninth embodiments and the modifications.

3. Aspects of Present Disclosure

The present disclosure includes aspects as follows.

(1) A display device with a touch detection function, comprising:

a first substrate;

a plurality of pixel electrodes arranged in a matrix on a plane parallelto the first substrate and in a first region;

a display functional layer exerting an image display function in thefirst region;

a plurality of first drive electrodes facing the pixel electrodes in aperpendicular direction with respect to a surface of the firstsubstrate; and

a plurality of touch detection electrodes facing the first driveelectrodes in the perpendicular direction and extending in a directiondifferent from a direction in which the first drive electrodes areextended, the plurality of touch detection electrodes beingcapacitively-coupled to the first drive electrodes, wherein

at least one touch detection electrode of the plurality of touchdetection electrodes extends from the first region to a second regionadjacent to the first region, and

a second drive electrode capacitively-coupled to the at least one touchdetection electrode is further provided in the second region.

(2) The display device with a touch detection function according to (1),wherein the second region overlaps an area outside an image display areaof the display functional layer as viewed from the perpendiculardirection.

(3) The display device with a touch detection function according to (1),comprising a drive signal supplying circuit for supplying a drive signalto the first and second drive electrodes, wherein

the drive signal supplying circuit sequentially selects the first driveelectrodes and the second drive electrode to supply the drive signalthereto.

(4) The display device with a touch detection function according to (3),wherein the drive signal supplying circuit supplies the drive signal tothe second drive electrode even when the display functional layer is notperforming image display.

(5) The display device with a touch detection function according to (1),wherein a width of the at least one touch detection electrode in thesecond region is larger than a width thereof in the first region.

(6) The display device with a touch detection function according to (1),wherein

the second drive electrode is formed in the same layer as the touchdetection electrode and has an opening as viewed from the perpendiculardirection, and

an end portion of the at least one touch detection electrode extends toan inside of the opening.

(7) The display device with a touch detection function according to (1),comprising a second substrate facing the first substrate in theperpendicular direction, wherein

the second substrate includes a portion not overlapping the firstsubstrate as viewed from the perpendicular direction, and

the second drive electrode is formed in the portion of the secondsubstrate not overlapping the first substrate.

(8) The display device with a touch detection function according to (1),comprising a backlight for irradiating the display functional layer withlight, wherein

the backlight also irradiates the second region with light in additionto the first region.

(9) The display device with a touch detection function according to (1),comprising:

a backlight for irradiating the display functional layer with light; and

a light source disposed in a dead space in the backlight, forirradiating the second region with light.

(10) The display device with a touch detection function according to(8), wherein

the display functional layer is formed also in the second region, and

the display device further comprises:

a luminance control electrode formed in the second region, for applyingan electric field to the display functional layer; and

a control unit for changing a luminance of the second region bycontrolling the luminance control electrode.

(11) A display device with a touch detection function, comprising:

a first substrate;

a plurality of pixel electrodes arranged in a matrix on a plane parallelto the first substrate and in a first region;

a display functional layer exerting an image display function;

a plurality of first drive electrodes facing the pixel electrodes in aperpendicular direction with respect to a surface of the firstsubstrate;

a plurality of first touch detection electrodes facing the first driveelectrodes in the perpendicular direction and extending in a directiondifferent from a direction in which the first drive electrodes areextended, the plurality of first touch detection electrodes beingcapacitively-coupled to the first drive electrodes;

a second drive electrode formed in a second region adjacent to the firstregion;

a second touch detection electrode capacitively-coupled to the seconddrive electrode in the second region; and

a drive signal supplying circuit for supplying a drive signal to thefirst and second drive electrodes, wherein

the drive signal supplying circuit sequentially selects the plurality offirst drive electrodes and the second drive electrode to supply thedrive signal thereto.

(12) The display device with a touch detection function according to(11), wherein the second region overlaps an area outside an imagedisplay area of the display functional layer as viewed from theperpendicular direction.

(13) The display device with a touch detection function according to(11), comprising a third substrate for transmitting a detection signaldetected in the second touch detection electrode to an outside, wherein

the second touch detection electrode is formed on the third substrate.

(14) The display device with a touch detection function according to(11), comprising a backlight for irradiating the display functionallayer with light, wherein

the backlight also irradiates the second region with light in additionto the first region.

(15) The display device with a touch detection function according to(11), comprising:

a backlight for irradiating the display functional layer with light; and

a light source disposed in a dead space in the backlight, forirradiating the second region with light.

(16) The display device with a touch detection function according to(14), wherein

the display functional layer is formed also in the second region, and

the display device further comprises:

a luminance control electrode formed in the second region, for applyingan electric field to the display functional layer; and

a control unit for changing a luminance of the second region bycontrolling the luminance control electrode.

(17) The display device with a touch detection function according to(11), wherein

the second drive electrode is formed in the same layer as the secondtouch detection electrode and has an opening as viewed from theperpendicular direction, and

an end portion of the second touch detection electrode extends to aninside of the opening.

(18) The display device with a touch detection function according to(11), comprising a cover glass for covering the first substrate in theperpendicular direction with respect to the surface of the firstsubstrate, wherein

the second touch detection electrode is formed on the cover glass.

(19) A display device with a touch detection function, comprising:

a first substrate;

a plurality of pixel electrodes arranged in a matrix on a plane parallelto the first substrate and in a first region;

a display functional layer exerting an image display function;

a plurality of first drive electrodes facing the pixel electrodes in aperpendicular direction with respect to a surface of the firstsubstrate;

a plurality of touch detection electrodes facing the first driveelectrodes in the perpendicular direction and extending in a directiondifferent from a direction in which the first drive electrodes areextended, the plurality of touch detection electrodes beingcapacitively-coupled to the first drive electrodes;

a second drive electrode capacitively-coupled to at least one touchdetection electrode of the plurality of touch detection electrodes in asecond region adjacent to the first region; and

a second substrate facing the first substrate in the perpendiculardirection, wherein

the second substrate includes a portion not overlapping the firstsubstrate as viewed from the perpendicular direction, and

the second drive electrode is formed in the portion of the secondsubstrate not overlapping the first substrate.

(20) A display device with a touch detection function, comprising:

a first substrate;

a plurality of pixel electrodes arranged in a matrix on a plane parallelto the first substrate and in a first region;

a display functional layer exerting an image display function;

a plurality of first drive electrodes facing the pixel electrodes in aperpendicular direction with respect to a surface of the firstsubstrate;

a plurality of first touch detection electrodes facing the first driveelectrodes in the perpendicular direction and extending in a directiondifferent from a direction in which the first drive electrodes areextended, the plurality of first touch detection electrodes beingcapacitively-coupled to the first drive electrodes;

a second drive electrode formed in a second region adjacent to the firstregion;

a second touch detection electrode capacitively-coupled to the seconddrive electrode in the second region;

a drive signal supplying circuit for supplying a drive signal to thefirst and second drive electrodes; and a third substrate fortransmitting a detection signal detected in the second touch detectionelectrode to an outside, wherein

the second touch detection electrode is formed on the third substrate.

(21) The display device with a touch detection function according to(20), wherein the drive signal supplying circuit drives the first driveelectrode and the second drive electrode in parallel.

(22) An electronic apparatus comprising a display device with a touchdetection function capable of detecting an external proximity object,the display device with a touch detection function comprising:

a first substrate;

a plurality of pixel electrodes arranged in a matrix on a plane parallelto the first substrate and in a first region;

a display functional layer exerting an image display function in thefirst region;

a plurality of first drive electrodes facing the pixel electrodes in aperpendicular direction with respect to a surface of the firstsubstrate; and

a plurality of touch detection electrodes facing the first driveelectrodes in the perpendicular direction and extending in a directiondifferent from a direction in which the first drive electrodes areextended, the plurality of touch detection electrodes beingcapacitively-coupled to the first drive electrodes, wherein

at least one touch detection electrode of the plurality of touchdetection electrodes extends from the first region to a second regionadjacent to the first region, and

a second drive electrode capacitively-coupled to the at least one touchdetection electrode is further provided in the second region.

(23) An electronic apparatus comprising a display device with a touchdetection function capable of detecting an external proximity object,the display device with a touch detection function comprising:

a first substrate;

a plurality of pixel electrodes arranged in a matrix on a plane parallelto the first substrate and in a first region;

a display functional layer exerting an image display function;

a plurality of first drive electrodes facing the pixel electrodes in aperpendicular direction with respect to a surface of the firstsubstrate;

a plurality of first touch detection electrodes facing the first driveelectrodes in the perpendicular direction and extending in a directiondifferent from a direction in which the first drive electrodes areextended, the plurality of first touch detection electrodes beingcapacitively-coupled to the first drive electrodes;

a second drive electrode formed in a second region adjacent to the firstregion;

a second touch detection electrode capacitively-coupled to the seconddrive electrode in the second region; and

a drive signal supplying circuit for supplying a drive signal to thefirst and second drive electrodes, wherein

the drive signal supplying circuit sequentially selects the plurality offirst drive electrodes and the second drive electrode to supply thedrive signal thereto.

(24) An electronic apparatus comprising a display device with a touchdetection function capable of detecting an external proximity object,the display device with a touch detection function comprising:

a first substrate;

a plurality of pixel electrodes arranged in a matrix on a plane parallelto the first substrate and in a first region;

a display functional layer exerting an image display function;

a plurality of first drive electrodes facing the pixel electrodes in aperpendicular direction with respect to a surface of the firstsubstrate;

a plurality of touch detection electrodes facing the first driveelectrodes in the perpendicular direction and extending in a directiondifferent from a direction in which the first drive electrodes areextended, the plurality of touch detection electrodes beingcapacitively-coupled to the first drive electrodes;

a second drive electrode capacitively-coupled to at least one touchdetection electrode of the plurality of touch detection electrodes in asecond region adjacent to the first region; and

a second substrate facing the first substrate in the perpendiculardirection, wherein

the second substrate includes a portion not overlapping the firstsubstrate as viewed from the perpendicular direction, and

the second drive electrode is formed in the portion of the secondsubstrate not overlapping the first substrate.

(25) An electronic apparatus comprising a display device with a touchdetection function capable of detecting an external proximity object,the display device with a touch detection function comprising:

a first substrate;

a plurality of pixel electrodes arranged in a matrix on a plane parallelto the first substrate and in a first region;

a display functional layer exerting an image display function;

a plurality of first drive electrodes facing the pixel electrodes in aperpendicular direction with respect to a surface of the firstsubstrate;

a plurality of first touch detection electrodes facing the first driveelectrodes in the perpendicular direction and extending in a directiondifferent from a direction in which the first drive electrodes areextended, the plurality of first touch detection electrodes beingcapacitively-coupled to the first drive electrodes;

a second drive electrode formed in a second region adjacent to the firstregion;

a second touch detection electrode capacitively-coupled to the seconddrive electrode in the second region;

a drive signal supplying circuit for supplying a drive signal to thefirst and second drive electrodes; and

a third substrate for transmitting a detection signal detected in thesecond touch detection electrode to an outside, wherein

the second touch detection electrode is formed on the third substrate.

The electronic apparatus of the present disclosure includes theabove-described display device with a touch detection function. Examplesof the electronic apparatus include, but are not limited to, atelevision device, a digital camera, a personal computer, a videocamera, a portable electronic apparatus such as a mobile phone, etc.

According to the display device with a touch detection function and theelectronic apparatus of the present disclosure, button touch input canbe detected while suppressing an increase in the number of componentsand achieving a cost reduction.

It should be understood that various changes and modifications to thepresently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent tothose skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present subjectmatter and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is thereforeintended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appendedclaims.

The invention is claimed as follows:
 1. A display device with a touchdetection function, comprising: a first substrate; a plurality of pixelelectrodes arranged in a matrix on a plane parallel to the firstsubstrate and in a first region; a display functional layer exerting animage display function in the first region; a plurality of first driveelectrodes facing the pixel electrodes in a perpendicular direction withrespect to a surface of the first substrate; and a plurality of touchdetection electrodes facing the first drive electrodes in theperpendicular direction and extending in a direction different from adirection in which the first drive electrodes are extended, theplurality of touch detection electrodes being capacitively-coupled tothe first drive electrodes, wherein at least one touch detectionelectrode of the plurality of touch detection electrodes extends fromthe first region to a second region adjacent to the first region, and asecond drive electrode capacitively-coupled to the at least one touchdetection electrode is further provided in the second region.
 2. Thedisplay device with a touch detection function according to claim 1,wherein the second region overlaps an area outside an image display areaof the display functional layer as viewed from the perpendiculardirection.
 3. The display device with a touch detection functionaccording to claim 1, comprising a drive signal supplying circuit forsupplying a drive signal to the first and second drive electrodes,wherein the drive signal supplying circuit sequentially selects thefirst drive electrodes and the second drive electrode to supply thedrive signal thereto.
 4. The display device with a touch detectionfunction according to claim 3, wherein the drive signal supplyingcircuit supplies the drive signal to the second drive electrode evenwhen the display functional layer is not performing image display. 5.The display device with a touch detection function according to claim 1,wherein a width of the at least one touch detection electrode in thesecond region is larger than a width thereof in the first region.
 6. Thedisplay device with a touch detection function according to claim 1,wherein the second drive electrode is formed in the same layer as thetouch detection electrode and has an opening as viewed from theperpendicular direction, and an end portion of the at least one touchdetection electrode extends to an inside of the opening.
 7. The displaydevice with a touch detection function according to claim 1, comprisinga second substrate facing the first substrate in the perpendiculardirection, wherein the second substrate includes a portion notoverlapping the first substrate as viewed from the perpendiculardirection, and the second drive electrode is formed in the portion ofthe second substrate not overlapping the first substrate.
 8. The displaydevice with a touch detection function according to claim 1, comprisinga backlight for irradiating the display functional layer with light,wherein the backlight also irradiates the second region with light inaddition to the first region.
 9. The display device with a touchdetection function according to claim 1, comprising: a backlight forirradiating the display functional layer with light; and a light sourcedisposed in a dead space in the backlight, for irradiating the secondregion with light.
 10. The display device with a touch detectionfunction according to claim 8, wherein the display functional layer isformed also in the second region, and the display device furthercomprises: a luminance control electrode formed in the second region,for applying an electric field to the display functional layer; and acontrol unit for changing a luminance of the second region bycontrolling the luminance control electrode.
 11. A display device with atouch detection function, comprising: a first substrate; a plurality ofpixel electrodes arranged in a matrix on a plane parallel to the firstsubstrate and in a first region; a display functional layer exerting animage display function; a plurality of first drive electrodes facing thepixel electrodes in a perpendicular direction with respect to a surfaceof the first substrate; a plurality of first touch detection electrodesfacing the first drive electrodes in the perpendicular direction andextending in a direction different from a direction in which the firstdrive electrodes are extended, the plurality of first touch detectionelectrodes being capacitively-coupled to the first drive electrodes; asecond drive electrode formed in a second region adjacent to the firstregion; a second touch detection electrode capacitively-coupled to thesecond drive electrode in the second region; and a drive signalsupplying circuit for supplying a drive signal to the first and seconddrive electrodes, wherein the drive signal supplying circuitsequentially selects the plurality of first drive electrodes and thesecond drive electrode to supply the drive signal thereto.
 12. Thedisplay device with a touch detection function according to claim 11,wherein the second region overlaps an area outside an image display areaof the display functional layer as viewed from the perpendiculardirection.
 13. The display device with a touch detection functionaccording to claim 11, comprising a third substrate for transmitting adetection signal detected in the second touch detection electrode to anoutside, wherein the second touch detection electrode is formed on thethird substrate.
 14. The display device with a touch detection functionaccording to claim 11, comprising a backlight for irradiating thedisplay functional layer with light, wherein the backlight alsoirradiates the second region with light in addition to the first region.15. The display device with a touch detection function according toclaim 11, comprising: a backlight for irradiating the display functionallayer with light; and a light source disposed in a dead space in thebacklight, for irradiating the second region with light.
 16. The displaydevice with a touch detection function according to claim 14, whereinthe display functional layer is formed also in the second region, andthe display device further comprises: a luminance control electrodeformed in the second region, for applying an electric field to thedisplay functional layer; and a control unit for changing a luminance ofthe second region by controlling the luminance control electrode. 17.The display device with a touch detection function according to claim11, wherein the second drive electrode is formed in the same layer asthe second touch detection electrode and has an opening as viewed fromthe perpendicular direction, and an end portion of the second touchdetection electrode extends to an inside of the opening.
 18. The displaydevice with a touch detection function according to claim 11, comprisinga cover glass for covering the first substrate in the perpendiculardirection with respect to the surface of the first substrate, whereinthe second touch detection electrode is formed on the cover glass.
 19. Adisplay device with a touch detection function, comprising: a firstsubstrate; a plurality of pixel electrodes arranged in a matrix on aplane parallel to the first substrate and in a first region; a displayfunctional layer exerting an image display function; a plurality offirst drive electrodes facing the pixel electrodes in a perpendiculardirection with respect to a surface of the first substrate; a pluralityof touch detection electrodes facing the first drive electrodes in theperpendicular direction and extending in a direction different from adirection in which the first drive electrodes are extended, theplurality of touch detection electrodes being capacitively-coupled tothe first drive electrodes; a second drive electrodecapacitively-coupled to at least one touch detection electrode of theplurality of touch detection electrodes in a second region adjacent tothe first region; and a second substrate facing the first substrate inthe perpendicular direction, wherein the second substrate includes aportion not overlapping the first substrate as viewed from theperpendicular direction, and the second drive electrode is formed in theportion of the second substrate not overlapping the first substrate. 20.A display device with a touch detection function, comprising: a firstsubstrate; a plurality of pixel electrodes arranged in a matrix on aplane parallel to the first substrate and in a first region; a displayfunctional layer exerting an image display function; a plurality offirst drive electrodes facing the pixel electrodes in a perpendiculardirection with respect to a surface of the first substrate; a pluralityof first touch detection electrodes facing the first drive electrodes inthe perpendicular direction and extending in a direction different froma direction in which the first drive electrodes are extended, theplurality of first touch detection electrodes being capacitively-coupledto the first drive electrodes; a second drive electrode formed in asecond region adjacent to the first region; a second touch detectionelectrode capacitively-coupled to the second drive electrode in thesecond region; a drive signal supplying circuit for supplying a drivesignal to the first and second drive electrodes; and a third substratefor transmitting a detection signal detected in the second touchdetection electrode to an outside, wherein the second touch detectionelectrode is formed on the third substrate.
 21. The display device witha touch detection function according to claim 20, wherein the drivesignal supplying circuit drives the first drive electrode and the seconddrive electrode in parallel.
 22. An electronic apparatus comprising adisplay device with a touch detection function capable of detecting anexternal proximity object, the display device with a touch detectionfunction comprising: a first substrate; a plurality of pixel electrodesarranged in a matrix on a plane parallel to the first substrate and in afirst region; a display functional layer exerting an image displayfunction in the first region; a plurality of first drive electrodesfacing the pixel electrodes in a perpendicular direction with respect toa surface of the first substrate; and a plurality of touch detectionelectrodes facing the first drive electrodes in the perpendiculardirection and extending in a direction different from a direction inwhich the first drive electrodes are extended, the plurality of touchdetection electrodes being capacitively-coupled to the first driveelectrodes, wherein at least one touch detection electrode of theplurality of touch detection electrodes extends from the first region toa second region adjacent to the first region, and a second driveelectrode capacitively-coupled to the at least one touch detectionelectrode is further provided in the second region.
 23. An electronicapparatus comprising a display device with a touch detection functioncapable of detecting an external proximity object, the display devicewith a touch detection function comprising: a first substrate; aplurality of pixel electrodes arranged in a matrix on a plane parallelto the first substrate and in a first region; a display functional layerexerting an image display function; a plurality of first driveelectrodes facing the pixel electrodes in a perpendicular direction withrespect to a surface of the first substrate; a plurality of first touchdetection electrodes facing the first drive electrodes in theperpendicular direction and extending in a direction different from adirection in which the first drive electrodes are extended, theplurality of first touch detection electrodes being capacitively-coupledto the first drive electrodes; a second drive electrode formed in asecond region adjacent to the first region; a second touch detectionelectrode capacitively-coupled to the second drive electrode in thesecond region; and a drive signal supplying circuit for supplying adrive signal to the first and second drive electrodes, wherein the drivesignal supplying circuit sequentially selects the plurality of firstdrive electrodes and the second drive electrode to supply the drivesignal thereto.
 24. An electronic apparatus comprising a display devicewith a touch detection function capable of detecting an externalproximity object, the display device with a touch detection functioncomprising: a first substrate; a plurality of pixel electrodes arrangedin a matrix on a plane parallel to the first substrate and in a firstregion; a display functional layer exerting an image display function; aplurality of first drive electrodes facing the pixel electrodes in aperpendicular direction with respect to a surface of the firstsubstrate; a plurality of touch detection electrodes facing the firstdrive electrodes in the perpendicular direction and extending in adirection different from a direction in which the first drive electrodesare extended, the plurality of touch detection electrodes beingcapacitively-coupled to the first drive electrodes; a second driveelectrode capacitively-coupled to at least one touch detection electrodeof the plurality of touch detection electrodes in a second regionadjacent to the first region; and a second substrate facing the firstsubstrate in the perpendicular direction, wherein the second substrateincludes a portion not overlapping the first substrate as viewed fromthe perpendicular direction, and the second drive electrode is formed inthe portion of the second substrate not overlapping the first substrate.25. An electronic apparatus comprising a display device with a touchdetection function capable of detecting an external proximity object,the display device with a touch detection function comprising: a firstsubstrate; a plurality of pixel electrodes arranged in a matrix on aplane parallel to the first substrate and in a first region; a displayfunctional layer exerting an image display function; a plurality offirst drive electrodes facing the pixel electrodes in a perpendiculardirection with respect to a surface of the first substrate; a pluralityof first touch detection electrodes facing the first drive electrodes inthe perpendicular direction and extending in a direction different froma direction in which the first drive electrodes are extended, theplurality of first touch detection electrodes being capacitively-coupledto the first drive electrodes; a second drive electrode formed in asecond region adjacent to the first region; a second touch detectionelectrode capacitively-coupled to the second drive electrode in thesecond region; a drive signal supplying circuit for supplying a drivesignal to the first and second drive electrodes; and a third substratefor transmitting a detection signal detected in the second touchdetection electrode to an outside, wherein the second touch detectionelectrode is formed on the third substrate.